Alright. While my wife and her brother went to see Bowling for Columbine last night, I stayed home and watched several episodes of Fawlty Towers. We got the DVD set a couple of weeks ago and I put the first episode in a few days after it arrived. To be honest, I wasn't thrilled. Maybe it was my mood, maybe it was the episode, but I wasn't in to it. Now, don't get me worng, I love Fawlty Towers, have for many years. I haven't watched them in a while, but I don't think that had anything to do with my disappointment.
Last night I found myself completely entrawled with the show. I laughed out loud (which I'm sure the neighbours loved) many times and kept coming up with excuses to put off work so that I could keep watching. It was absolutely magical. John Cleese plays tightly wound better than anyone else alive. To watch him get worked up and up and up, to the point of breaking is truly a thing of beauty, And then when he lets fly - forget about it. When I first saw FT I don't think I appreciated how carefully crafted each episode is, how several plots weave in and out, rapid fire delivery, and how the whole show revolves around one final scene - be it the Germans or the Major's recalling Basil did give him the money. The genius of the show is the path the plot takes to that final scene. So often in comedies today the final scene is obvious, but so is the path to that scene. With Fawlty Towers the trip's an adventure.
Wednesday, October 30, 2002
Monday, October 28, 2002
Oh dear Lord! Not another survey! Oh the humanity!!!!
1. How many TVs do you have in your home?
One.
2. On average, how much TV do you watch in a week?
Far too many. It's the Who's the Boss hours you never get back.
3. Do you feel that television is bad for young children?
Yep.
4. What TV shows do you absolutely HAVE to watch, and if you miss them, you're heartbroken?
There aren't any right now. Used to be Dawson's Creek, but it's stupid now. Maybe Friends or Scrubs, but I'm hardly passionate about them.
5. If you had the power to create your own television network, what would your line-up look like?
Monkeys in little hats. Lots of interesting comedy shows - MST3k reruns, Mr Show, Kids in the Hall, Monty Python, Fawlty Towers, Blackadders; lots of hard to find classic and foreign movies; No eveyone loves Raymond, no Home improvement reruns no crap!
1. How many TVs do you have in your home?
One.
2. On average, how much TV do you watch in a week?
Far too many. It's the Who's the Boss hours you never get back.
3. Do you feel that television is bad for young children?
Yep.
4. What TV shows do you absolutely HAVE to watch, and if you miss them, you're heartbroken?
There aren't any right now. Used to be Dawson's Creek, but it's stupid now. Maybe Friends or Scrubs, but I'm hardly passionate about them.
5. If you had the power to create your own television network, what would your line-up look like?
Monkeys in little hats. Lots of interesting comedy shows - MST3k reruns, Mr Show, Kids in the Hall, Monty Python, Fawlty Towers, Blackadders; lots of hard to find classic and foreign movies; No eveyone loves Raymond, no Home improvement reruns no crap!
See, I found a friend's new blog and had to steal all the questionarres.
1. Have you ever felt like you were expected to set a good example for others?
Yes. Whenever I'm out with "youth" or around kids.
2. What keeps you on the right path? For example, why do you think you turned out the way you did as opposed to the nut ball sniper out there?
Fear.
3. Sometimes things seem different than they really are. When was the last time you believed something to be one way only to learn you had it all wrong?
You want me to pick just one example of this? Forget it. Happens all the time. Ask my wife.
4. Can you recall a time when being alert and observant kept you safe?
Not today.
5. Who in your personal circle of relationships do you think is smarter than you?
Who isn't
Are they smarter in just one area, or overall?
They're smarter all over me.
How do you feel about that?
Mmmaaa. Happens all the time.
How do they interact with you?
Pats on the head, bribes of candy, the usual.
6. Let's daydream a little: Describe in detail the most perfect lazy day, start to finish.
Wake up whenever, watch TV (and there be good stuff on), eat something, watch a movie, read a little, nap, repeat.
7. Are you dressing up for Halloween?
Who's asking? Yes
What is the most favorite costume you ever had?
I was Robin. It was a wicked costume but my Mom made me wear a snowsuit underneath it. Robin NEVER wore a snowsuit underneath his costume.
Today's Comment Question: What gives you the creeps?
Brittany Spears little sister... Ladies and gentlemen, the future of skank.
1. Have you ever felt like you were expected to set a good example for others?
Yes. Whenever I'm out with "youth" or around kids.
2. What keeps you on the right path? For example, why do you think you turned out the way you did as opposed to the nut ball sniper out there?
Fear.
3. Sometimes things seem different than they really are. When was the last time you believed something to be one way only to learn you had it all wrong?
You want me to pick just one example of this? Forget it. Happens all the time. Ask my wife.
4. Can you recall a time when being alert and observant kept you safe?
Not today.
5. Who in your personal circle of relationships do you think is smarter than you?
Who isn't
Are they smarter in just one area, or overall?
They're smarter all over me.
How do you feel about that?
Mmmaaa. Happens all the time.
How do they interact with you?
Pats on the head, bribes of candy, the usual.
6. Let's daydream a little: Describe in detail the most perfect lazy day, start to finish.
Wake up whenever, watch TV (and there be good stuff on), eat something, watch a movie, read a little, nap, repeat.
7. Are you dressing up for Halloween?
Who's asking? Yes
What is the most favorite costume you ever had?
I was Robin. It was a wicked costume but my Mom made me wear a snowsuit underneath it. Robin NEVER wore a snowsuit underneath his costume.
Today's Comment Question: What gives you the creeps?
Brittany Spears little sister... Ladies and gentlemen, the future of skank.
More stupid insights into Mike (maybe this is why my world isn't exciting)
1. What's the most expensive meal you've ever eaten? What was the occasion? Was it worth it?
The Old Prune in Stratford Ontario. It's a bad sign when there are no prices beside the food. Three people: $245. Ouch.
2. What do you like to do when nobody is looking?
Smile... but only when people aren't looking.
3. What's your special purpose?
For what? What kind of stupid question is this?
4. Do you like Autumn? If so, why? If not, tell me about your favorite season.
Not a bad season. Far too short here in Manitoba. Here fall is the week between summer and winter.
5. Ever recommended a movie to someone only to have them hate it? Which movie? Did you feel uncomfortable about that?
All the freakin' time. Often I think things that you have to think about and most people just want to see stuff blow up. Though anyone has loved Pootie Tang!
6. I've had hay fever all day! Sniffles, sneezing, I tell ya, it's awful! Do you have any allergies? Anything that just gets you down for the count?
No. Take your snot and go home!!!
7. Do you like mixed drinks? What is your favorite? As long as we're here how about you order me something too? Just "suprise me!"
I'm really not a big drinker anymore. If you're buying, I'll have rum and Coke (though could it be Diet Coke?)
1. What's the most expensive meal you've ever eaten? What was the occasion? Was it worth it?
The Old Prune in Stratford Ontario. It's a bad sign when there are no prices beside the food. Three people: $245. Ouch.
2. What do you like to do when nobody is looking?
Smile... but only when people aren't looking.
3. What's your special purpose?
For what? What kind of stupid question is this?
4. Do you like Autumn? If so, why? If not, tell me about your favorite season.
Not a bad season. Far too short here in Manitoba. Here fall is the week between summer and winter.
5. Ever recommended a movie to someone only to have them hate it? Which movie? Did you feel uncomfortable about that?
All the freakin' time. Often I think things that you have to think about and most people just want to see stuff blow up. Though anyone has loved Pootie Tang!
6. I've had hay fever all day! Sniffles, sneezing, I tell ya, it's awful! Do you have any allergies? Anything that just gets you down for the count?
No. Take your snot and go home!!!
7. Do you like mixed drinks? What is your favorite? As long as we're here how about you order me something too? Just "suprise me!"
I'm really not a big drinker anymore. If you're buying, I'll have rum and Coke (though could it be Diet Coke?)
1. If you could only choose 1 cd to ever listen to again, what would it be?
New Skin For The Old Ceremony
2. If you could only choose 2 movies to watch ever again, what would they be?
Casablanca and Human Condition - the one I love, the other I haven't had time to watch
3. If you could only choose 3 books to read ever again, what would they be?
The Complete Poems of John Donne; Divine Comedy; High Fidelity
4. If you could only choose 4 things to eat or drink ever again, what would they be?
Spagetti, Diet Pepsi, Peanut Butter, Bread
5. If you could only choose 5 people to ever be/talk/associate/whatever with ever again, who would they be?
Oh yeah right. Those I leave off eill be as upset as those I choose. Fat chance, buddy.
New Skin For The Old Ceremony
2. If you could only choose 2 movies to watch ever again, what would they be?
Casablanca and Human Condition - the one I love, the other I haven't had time to watch
3. If you could only choose 3 books to read ever again, what would they be?
The Complete Poems of John Donne; Divine Comedy; High Fidelity
4. If you could only choose 4 things to eat or drink ever again, what would they be?
Spagetti, Diet Pepsi, Peanut Butter, Bread
5. If you could only choose 5 people to ever be/talk/associate/whatever with ever again, who would they be?
Oh yeah right. Those I leave off eill be as upset as those I choose. Fat chance, buddy.
Wednesday, October 23, 2002
Saturday, October 19, 2002
No complaining today (sorry for excreting my bile all over this site, but, hey, it's my site)
Movie stuff!!!
Watched The Devil's Backbone, the acclaimed Spanish film from the director of the not-so-acclaimed Blade 2. I learned along time ago that we shouldn't judge a foreign director by his first few English language films. Did not John Woo direct a Van Damme film? Actually all Woo's English films suck (yes, even Face Off), so he's a bad example. Anyway, I digress. DB is a tightly knit little thriller/drama set at an orphanage/school in Revolutionary Spain. Not only does the orphanage have its share of dirty little secrets, it also has a ghost, "the one who sighs." Not giving too much away, the ghost wants to avenge himself on his killer.
What I particularly liked about this film is that it avoids the traps of modern Hollywood ghost stories of pushing the special effects down our throats. The effects of this film (with the notable exception of the ghost's skeleton being visible when he walks) are kept to a minimum. There aren't large computer generated figures, a la House of Haunted Hill or the Haunting. The terror comes more from atmosphere and implication.
To characterize this film as a horror film, though is to do it a grave disservice. Sure, the ghost is important, but the story is about so much more. In fact, this is likely why many people might find it too boring. There isn't enough terror and too much plot for most diehard horror fans.
Movie stuff!!!
Watched The Devil's Backbone, the acclaimed Spanish film from the director of the not-so-acclaimed Blade 2. I learned along time ago that we shouldn't judge a foreign director by his first few English language films. Did not John Woo direct a Van Damme film? Actually all Woo's English films suck (yes, even Face Off), so he's a bad example. Anyway, I digress. DB is a tightly knit little thriller/drama set at an orphanage/school in Revolutionary Spain. Not only does the orphanage have its share of dirty little secrets, it also has a ghost, "the one who sighs." Not giving too much away, the ghost wants to avenge himself on his killer.
What I particularly liked about this film is that it avoids the traps of modern Hollywood ghost stories of pushing the special effects down our throats. The effects of this film (with the notable exception of the ghost's skeleton being visible when he walks) are kept to a minimum. There aren't large computer generated figures, a la House of Haunted Hill or the Haunting. The terror comes more from atmosphere and implication.
To characterize this film as a horror film, though is to do it a grave disservice. Sure, the ghost is important, but the story is about so much more. In fact, this is likely why many people might find it too boring. There isn't enough terror and too much plot for most diehard horror fans.
Wednesday, October 16, 2002
Saw Eric Rohmer's Pauline at the Beach yesterday, which I really enjoyed. Rohmer has a knack for creating interesting characters and engaging dialogue that makes the lack of plot virtually unnoticable. While the beautiful Marion rattles on incessantly about love, her quiet 15 year old cousin, Pauline, maintains the calm centre of the film. Though her cousin is the object of male desire and the focus of male attention, Rohmer keeps Pauline in the viewer's mind by placing her in frame when men talk to Marion. While Marion and the men are still, Pauline, ignored by the characters but not by the viewer, continues to walk around, catching our eye.Indeed, it is Pauline who proves to be the more interesting of the two. Marion's deluted views of love are continually undermined by her choice of lovers. She believes Henri to be as in lover with her as she is with him, with little evidence to support that. Pauline, on the other hand, chastizes the "adults" for their stupid games - games she refuses to play.
While Pauline remains at the centre of the film's attention, the viewer's most ready ally seems to be Sylvian, Pauline's boyfriend. Recognizing Marion's beauty, he prefers Pauline. Like the viewer, Sylvian inadvertantly gets caught up in the game of the adult lovers- even to the point of being set up as cheating on Pauline to save Henri from being caught with another woman. When Pauline confronts Sylvian about this, he shrugs and tells her there was nothing he could say. Like the viewer, Sylvian is dumb - unable to tell Marion about her poor choice, unable to stand up for ourselves; silently complacent in the crime.
While Pauline remains at the centre of the film's attention, the viewer's most ready ally seems to be Sylvian, Pauline's boyfriend. Recognizing Marion's beauty, he prefers Pauline. Like the viewer, Sylvian inadvertantly gets caught up in the game of the adult lovers- even to the point of being set up as cheating on Pauline to save Henri from being caught with another woman. When Pauline confronts Sylvian about this, he shrugs and tells her there was nothing he could say. Like the viewer, Sylvian is dumb - unable to tell Marion about her poor choice, unable to stand up for ourselves; silently complacent in the crime.
Monday, October 14, 2002
Alright, Canadian Thanksgiving. Whoopee. I'm NOT spending the day alone today, which, given my state of mind, is likely a good thing. Being home, my mind turns over events and situations probably best left unanalysed - why is [name withheld] acting like this? Is he/she mad at me? I thought we were friends? What did I do? - the usual paranoid delusions. What else are hoildays for?
Speaking of paranoid delusions, I saw N. Roeg's Don't Look Back last night. Creepy little film that builds to an intense climax. Aside from one rather graphic sex scene (and much more of Donald Sutherland than I ever wanted to see), I'm not sure about the tag "erotic thriller." Indeed, the sex scene seems a little out of place. While it certainly symbolsizes Julie Chirstie's character's imporved state of mind, and is interestingly shot (cutting between sex and getting dressed afterwards), the scene frankly goes a little long. Which, I fear, might be the typical viewers respoonse to the film as a whole. While talk of psychic powers and warnings from beyond the grave are mentioned, they don't drive the plot forward. In fact, the figure in the red coat is sparingly seen. This might be disappointing. I, on the otherhand, felt that by turning down the intensity early on in the film, the climax becomes more chilling because it truly sneaks up on you. I can say with some certainty that when Donald Sutherland approaches the figure in the red coat I was as scared as I have ever been - truly frightening.
I also continued my ongoing Preston Sturges fest with Hail the Conquering Hero. With many faces and some similiar elements from Miracle of Morgan's Creek (Eddie Bracken as a hapless boob whose major anxiety is his inability to enlist for WW2), HCH is an excellent companion film, but not equl to, MMC. I found this films paricularly interesting after haivng studied the war poetry of Rosenberg, Sassoon, and Owen. With so many men being killed and killing, how can one be sinlged out as a hero - for, truly what is "heroic" about modern warfare? Sturges' film acts as a mild criticism of the American hero-wroshiping tendencies, to incapsulate an event in a few human faces. As I said, this criticism is mild, nevering at the expense of the comedy, but runs throughout the picture.
I have a few more films waiting to be watched over the next several days (I'm taking full advantage of having the place to myself), but turkey calls. A fine, wonderful family has invited me over. I must make myself presentable.
Speaking of paranoid delusions, I saw N. Roeg's Don't Look Back last night. Creepy little film that builds to an intense climax. Aside from one rather graphic sex scene (and much more of Donald Sutherland than I ever wanted to see), I'm not sure about the tag "erotic thriller." Indeed, the sex scene seems a little out of place. While it certainly symbolsizes Julie Chirstie's character's imporved state of mind, and is interestingly shot (cutting between sex and getting dressed afterwards), the scene frankly goes a little long. Which, I fear, might be the typical viewers respoonse to the film as a whole. While talk of psychic powers and warnings from beyond the grave are mentioned, they don't drive the plot forward. In fact, the figure in the red coat is sparingly seen. This might be disappointing. I, on the otherhand, felt that by turning down the intensity early on in the film, the climax becomes more chilling because it truly sneaks up on you. I can say with some certainty that when Donald Sutherland approaches the figure in the red coat I was as scared as I have ever been - truly frightening.
I also continued my ongoing Preston Sturges fest with Hail the Conquering Hero. With many faces and some similiar elements from Miracle of Morgan's Creek (Eddie Bracken as a hapless boob whose major anxiety is his inability to enlist for WW2), HCH is an excellent companion film, but not equl to, MMC. I found this films paricularly interesting after haivng studied the war poetry of Rosenberg, Sassoon, and Owen. With so many men being killed and killing, how can one be sinlged out as a hero - for, truly what is "heroic" about modern warfare? Sturges' film acts as a mild criticism of the American hero-wroshiping tendencies, to incapsulate an event in a few human faces. As I said, this criticism is mild, nevering at the expense of the comedy, but runs throughout the picture.
I have a few more films waiting to be watched over the next several days (I'm taking full advantage of having the place to myself), but turkey calls. A fine, wonderful family has invited me over. I must make myself presentable.
Friday, October 11, 2002
Okay, the world's just not exciting today. In fact, life kinda sucks. Had a rotten day on Wednesday - yelled at my class for being unresponsive - and I just can't shake this funk of depression. Weird. Haven't felt this way since highschool. Have found myself listening the Radiohead's High and Dry over and over again, which I haven't been able to do since a friend in university ruined that song for my by singning it incessantly!
On the plus side, I get to spend the holidays alone. My wife and brother-in-law are taking the eighties road show to Regina to visit their parents. I have committments in the city until Sunday and to drive out Sunday and turn around and come back Monday would kill me. To be honest, good riddance to the holiday. Maybe I'll just buy a pumpkin pie (the best thing about Thanksgiving anyway), order a pizza, curl up on the couch with a blanket and watch reruns of Golden Girls and Who's the Boss.
My film watching has been as eventful as my life. Started watching Dr. Strangelove but only got about half way through it when I was interupted and had to turn it off. I was reallly enjoying it and was completely amazed that I hadn't seen it before. I thought I had. It's one of those films that's just in the culture so purvasively. I starting watching and about ten minuntes in I realized I had no idea what was going to happen. Sure, I know the visuals (Slim Pickens riding the bomb) some jokes ("Gentlemen, you can;t fight in here. This is the War Room"), but the plot is completely fresh to me. I was actually excited when I realized this.
I've also been watching the Granada TV series The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, with Jeremy Brett. I got the complete first series on DVD and have watched the episodes in order. A remarkable series, these shows set the cliches about Holmes aside (the brown checked deerstalker and the large curved pipe) and treat the stories with dignity and respect - as much as I like Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes, his films, particularly the depiction of Waston, is hardly respectful to the source. I also have a number of episodes from the other series (Return, Casebook, Memoirs) on tape from about 8 years ago and have been watching them. Especially now, with Max Headroom's version of Holmes airing every few weeks (complete the costume and an upper-class twit accent), it's good to go back to Brett and see the true complexities of the character.
Enough... be gone.
On the plus side, I get to spend the holidays alone. My wife and brother-in-law are taking the eighties road show to Regina to visit their parents. I have committments in the city until Sunday and to drive out Sunday and turn around and come back Monday would kill me. To be honest, good riddance to the holiday. Maybe I'll just buy a pumpkin pie (the best thing about Thanksgiving anyway), order a pizza, curl up on the couch with a blanket and watch reruns of Golden Girls and Who's the Boss.
My film watching has been as eventful as my life. Started watching Dr. Strangelove but only got about half way through it when I was interupted and had to turn it off. I was reallly enjoying it and was completely amazed that I hadn't seen it before. I thought I had. It's one of those films that's just in the culture so purvasively. I starting watching and about ten minuntes in I realized I had no idea what was going to happen. Sure, I know the visuals (Slim Pickens riding the bomb) some jokes ("Gentlemen, you can;t fight in here. This is the War Room"), but the plot is completely fresh to me. I was actually excited when I realized this.
I've also been watching the Granada TV series The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, with Jeremy Brett. I got the complete first series on DVD and have watched the episodes in order. A remarkable series, these shows set the cliches about Holmes aside (the brown checked deerstalker and the large curved pipe) and treat the stories with dignity and respect - as much as I like Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes, his films, particularly the depiction of Waston, is hardly respectful to the source. I also have a number of episodes from the other series (Return, Casebook, Memoirs) on tape from about 8 years ago and have been watching them. Especially now, with Max Headroom's version of Holmes airing every few weeks (complete the costume and an upper-class twit accent), it's good to go back to Brett and see the true complexities of the character.
Enough... be gone.
Monday, October 07, 2002
My choices today: survey or work... Guess which one I decided to do.
NAME: Michael Boyce
SEX: Male
NICKNAMES: Shakespeare.
HOME: do I have one? yes
HEIGHT: 5'10"
AGE: 27
EYES: yep
FAVORITE RELATIVE: What kind of fights are you trying to start with this question?
WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT 1999?: The year I moved to Winnipeg
DO YOU SMOKE: nope.
FAVORITE TV SHOW: Simpsons are getting tired, so I'll say Scrubs
WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSEPAD: my mouse?
ONE PILLOW OR TWO: Two one to sleep on, the other to cuddle - shut up!
PIERCINGS OR TATTOOS: Like I'm willingly gonna let someone stick a needle in me when I'm not sick
WHO IS THE SILLIEST/CRAZIEST PERSON YOU KNOW? hmmm...I don't know
FAVORITE DRINK: Diet Pepsi
FAVORITE SOUND: a guitar gently weeping
FAVORITE SMELL: Clothes fresh from the dryer
FAVORITE HOLIDAY: Christmas. My birthday (okay so it's not an official holiday but it sometimes falls on Victoria Day)
FAVORITE CHRISTMAS CAROL: Good King Wencelas and Fairytale of NewYork by the Pogues-cause they have nothing really to do with Christmas other than the attitudes of the seasons.
WORSE FEELING IN THE WORLD: rock climbing harness. ouch!
BEST FEELING IN THE WORLD: the moment between sleep and awake
FAVORITE THING TO DO ON THE WEEKENDS: watch movies, sleep
FAVORITE TOWN TO CHILL IN: Waterloo
FAVORITE THING TO DO ON A PLANE: not die
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS: too creepy to even think about
WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF IN THE MORNING?: Do I have to get up?
HOW MANY RINGS BEFORE YOU ANSWER THE PHONE? one or two
ARE YOU A GOOD FRIEND: I don't think I'm the person to answer this. Ask my friends
FAVORITE FOOD: pasta
WHEN YOU MEET A PERSON OF THE OPPOSITE SEX WHAT DO YOU NOTICE FIRST: Smile
HAVE YOU EVER GONE SKINNY DIPPING? no. though I did have a bathing suit that turned out to be almost see-thru, Does that count?
WHAT'S UNDER YOUR BED: dust bunnies and stuff
DO YOU GET ALONG WITH YOUR PARENTS:Pretty well
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN CONVICTED OF A CRIME: convicted? No.
CHOCOLATE OR VANILLA: chocolate
THUNDERSTORMS~LIKE OR DISLIKE: dislike
CROUTONS OR BACON BITS: bacon bits - croutons are just dry bits of bread; gross
DO YOU LIKE TO DRIVE: No
IF YOU COULD MEET ONE PERSON, DEAD OR ALIVE WHO WOULD IT BE: Shakespeare.
FAVORITE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE: Guiness
IF YOU COULD DYE YOUR HAIR ANY COLOR, WHAT WOULD IT BE? black but it would look stupid
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN LOVE: Yeah I guess
ARE YOU STILL IN LOVE: see above
WHAT IS ON THE WALLS IN YOUR ROOM?: posters,
IS THE GLASS HALF EMPTY OR HALF FULL? too small...
FAVORITE MOVIES: Casablanca, Lady Eve, Royal Tenenbaums
FAVORITE SONGS: Across the Universe, Death is Not the End (Nick Cave's version)
FAVORITE MUPPET: Rolf, the original Muppet!
MOVIE THAT MAKES YOU CRY: anything with Adam Sandler (boo);
RIGHTY/LEFTY: I am right handed.
DO YOU TYPE WITH YOUR FINGERS ON THE RIGHT KEYS: fingers? What are the "right" keys, keyboard Nazi!!!
BEATLES OR ELVIS: who's Elvis?
FAVORITE NUMBER: don't have one
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM CAR: one with a driver
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM TRUCK: do I look like a red neck?
WHO IS/WAS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET CRUSH: the girl with the prettiest eyes
BESIDES SOMEONE IN YOUR IMMEDIATE FAMILY, WHO HAS HAD THE MOST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE: my professors
FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH: wrestling. and if you laugh, I'll piledrive you
DO YOU BELIEVE IN LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT: Nope and nothing you can say will convince me. Infatuation at first sight, yes. Love, no way.
EVER BEEN CHEATED ON: Yep. Grrrrr
EVER CHEATED ON SOMEONE: Nope.
DUMPER OR DUMPEE: I thinkI've always been the dumpee. Once I wanted to be the dumper, but was worried about how my friends would react (my girlfriend was a close friend's sister) so I stuck it out until she broke up with me. Lame.
DO YOU BELIEVE IN EVIL: sure and I can tell you where her office is on campus
EVER BEEN IN A FIST FIGHT? Not since I was a kid. Apparently I didn't do it well.
NAME: Michael Boyce
SEX: Male
NICKNAMES: Shakespeare.
HOME: do I have one? yes
HEIGHT: 5'10"
AGE: 27
EYES: yep
FAVORITE RELATIVE: What kind of fights are you trying to start with this question?
WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT 1999?: The year I moved to Winnipeg
DO YOU SMOKE: nope.
FAVORITE TV SHOW: Simpsons are getting tired, so I'll say Scrubs
WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSEPAD: my mouse?
ONE PILLOW OR TWO: Two one to sleep on, the other to cuddle - shut up!
PIERCINGS OR TATTOOS: Like I'm willingly gonna let someone stick a needle in me when I'm not sick
WHO IS THE SILLIEST/CRAZIEST PERSON YOU KNOW? hmmm...I don't know
FAVORITE DRINK: Diet Pepsi
FAVORITE SOUND: a guitar gently weeping
FAVORITE SMELL: Clothes fresh from the dryer
FAVORITE HOLIDAY: Christmas. My birthday (okay so it's not an official holiday but it sometimes falls on Victoria Day)
FAVORITE CHRISTMAS CAROL: Good King Wencelas and Fairytale of NewYork by the Pogues-cause they have nothing really to do with Christmas other than the attitudes of the seasons.
WORSE FEELING IN THE WORLD: rock climbing harness. ouch!
BEST FEELING IN THE WORLD: the moment between sleep and awake
FAVORITE THING TO DO ON THE WEEKENDS: watch movies, sleep
FAVORITE TOWN TO CHILL IN: Waterloo
FAVORITE THING TO DO ON A PLANE: not die
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS: too creepy to even think about
WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF IN THE MORNING?: Do I have to get up?
HOW MANY RINGS BEFORE YOU ANSWER THE PHONE? one or two
ARE YOU A GOOD FRIEND: I don't think I'm the person to answer this. Ask my friends
FAVORITE FOOD: pasta
WHEN YOU MEET A PERSON OF THE OPPOSITE SEX WHAT DO YOU NOTICE FIRST: Smile
HAVE YOU EVER GONE SKINNY DIPPING? no. though I did have a bathing suit that turned out to be almost see-thru, Does that count?
WHAT'S UNDER YOUR BED: dust bunnies and stuff
DO YOU GET ALONG WITH YOUR PARENTS:Pretty well
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN CONVICTED OF A CRIME: convicted? No.
CHOCOLATE OR VANILLA: chocolate
THUNDERSTORMS~LIKE OR DISLIKE: dislike
CROUTONS OR BACON BITS: bacon bits - croutons are just dry bits of bread; gross
DO YOU LIKE TO DRIVE: No
IF YOU COULD MEET ONE PERSON, DEAD OR ALIVE WHO WOULD IT BE: Shakespeare.
FAVORITE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE: Guiness
IF YOU COULD DYE YOUR HAIR ANY COLOR, WHAT WOULD IT BE? black but it would look stupid
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN LOVE: Yeah I guess
ARE YOU STILL IN LOVE: see above
WHAT IS ON THE WALLS IN YOUR ROOM?: posters,
IS THE GLASS HALF EMPTY OR HALF FULL? too small...
FAVORITE MOVIES: Casablanca, Lady Eve, Royal Tenenbaums
FAVORITE SONGS: Across the Universe, Death is Not the End (Nick Cave's version)
FAVORITE MUPPET: Rolf, the original Muppet!
MOVIE THAT MAKES YOU CRY: anything with Adam Sandler (boo);
RIGHTY/LEFTY: I am right handed.
DO YOU TYPE WITH YOUR FINGERS ON THE RIGHT KEYS: fingers? What are the "right" keys, keyboard Nazi!!!
BEATLES OR ELVIS: who's Elvis?
FAVORITE NUMBER: don't have one
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM CAR: one with a driver
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM TRUCK: do I look like a red neck?
WHO IS/WAS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET CRUSH: the girl with the prettiest eyes
BESIDES SOMEONE IN YOUR IMMEDIATE FAMILY, WHO HAS HAD THE MOST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE: my professors
FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH: wrestling. and if you laugh, I'll piledrive you
DO YOU BELIEVE IN LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT: Nope and nothing you can say will convince me. Infatuation at first sight, yes. Love, no way.
EVER BEEN CHEATED ON: Yep. Grrrrr
EVER CHEATED ON SOMEONE: Nope.
DUMPER OR DUMPEE: I thinkI've always been the dumpee. Once I wanted to be the dumper, but was worried about how my friends would react (my girlfriend was a close friend's sister) so I stuck it out until she broke up with me. Lame.
DO YOU BELIEVE IN EVIL: sure and I can tell you where her office is on campus
EVER BEEN IN A FIST FIGHT? Not since I was a kid. Apparently I didn't do it well.
In my neverending quest to provide the world with useless information, here's a Monday Mission.... And all the people said, "Amen."
1. Do you have a favorite piece of poetry or prose written by someone else? Care to share it?
Poetry: "I'm a Jam Tart" W.H Auden
"My way is to begin with the beginning" Byron
Prose: "Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth." Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, A Study in Scarlett
2. In High School, did you enjoy creative writing? Do you currently do any other writing in addition to your Blog?
I loved creating writing in highschool - short stories, plays, novels. Didn't keep a word of it though. I do try to write outside of this blog, but finding time can be a challenge. I've recently completed a play, a screenplay and have been working on a novel off and on for the past two years.
3. Have you ever noticed that the Blog entries you least expect to get the most comments do, and those you expect to generate a lot of feedback don't? Which Blog entry of yours surprised you by getting a lot of comments? Which one did you think would generate a lot but didn't?
I don't get comments. I doubt if anyone reads this.
4. Sometimes you get a chance to make a lifestyle change that has a huge impact on the course your life takes. That is, a moment where something became very clear to you, and that realization changed your life, such as: the need to leave a relationship, to stop an addiction, to bond with someone, to start a new career, and so on. Have you ever had an "awakening" moment in your life?
No. I'm not a big believer in epiphanies. We often realize something profound, but rarely does this have an earthshaking impact upon our lives. To effect real change requires constant work.
5. Then there are other times where you can have a huge impact on someone else's life. You suggest they see a doctor, stop them from taking that last drink, or maybe just say some kind words at the moment. Have you made a lasting positive impact on the life of someone else?
I certainly hope not. I shutter to think I might have that kind of power.
6. Are there any charities or organizations which you support? How did you come to be involved with them?
Not really. I have helped out with Winnipeg Harvest and other organizations, but there isn't a number of them that I help on a regular biases.
7. Care to collaborate with me? Help me out and write the rest of this poem:
I drifted though a dream last night,
visions full of colors bright.
My thoughts began to drift to you,
and in an instant we were two.
I touched your hand,
We began to blend,
Filled with a feeling
that should have no end.
But it did, I hate you.
And I stole your credit card.
BONUS: Hey cutie, what's up with this attitude?
Why don't you step a little closer and ask that?
1. Do you have a favorite piece of poetry or prose written by someone else? Care to share it?
Poetry: "I'm a Jam Tart" W.H Auden
"My way is to begin with the beginning" Byron
Prose: "Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth." Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, A Study in Scarlett
2. In High School, did you enjoy creative writing? Do you currently do any other writing in addition to your Blog?
I loved creating writing in highschool - short stories, plays, novels. Didn't keep a word of it though. I do try to write outside of this blog, but finding time can be a challenge. I've recently completed a play, a screenplay and have been working on a novel off and on for the past two years.
3. Have you ever noticed that the Blog entries you least expect to get the most comments do, and those you expect to generate a lot of feedback don't? Which Blog entry of yours surprised you by getting a lot of comments? Which one did you think would generate a lot but didn't?
I don't get comments. I doubt if anyone reads this.
4. Sometimes you get a chance to make a lifestyle change that has a huge impact on the course your life takes. That is, a moment where something became very clear to you, and that realization changed your life, such as: the need to leave a relationship, to stop an addiction, to bond with someone, to start a new career, and so on. Have you ever had an "awakening" moment in your life?
No. I'm not a big believer in epiphanies. We often realize something profound, but rarely does this have an earthshaking impact upon our lives. To effect real change requires constant work.
5. Then there are other times where you can have a huge impact on someone else's life. You suggest they see a doctor, stop them from taking that last drink, or maybe just say some kind words at the moment. Have you made a lasting positive impact on the life of someone else?
I certainly hope not. I shutter to think I might have that kind of power.
6. Are there any charities or organizations which you support? How did you come to be involved with them?
Not really. I have helped out with Winnipeg Harvest and other organizations, but there isn't a number of them that I help on a regular biases.
7. Care to collaborate with me? Help me out and write the rest of this poem:
I drifted though a dream last night,
visions full of colors bright.
My thoughts began to drift to you,
and in an instant we were two.
I touched your hand,
We began to blend,
Filled with a feeling
that should have no end.
But it did, I hate you.
And I stole your credit card.
BONUS: Hey cutie, what's up with this attitude?
Why don't you step a little closer and ask that?
Wednesday, October 02, 2002
Yesterday was Tuesday. I like Tuesdays for the simple fact that I don't have to go to school and I have the house to myself from about 11:30am on. I can watch movies I enjoy, instead of trying to sit through some childish flick that has little to no emotional connection with me.
Being alone, I threw on The Miracle of Morgan's Creek, yet another film by one of the funniest filmmakers of all time, Preston Sturges. While The Lady Eve might well be Sturges best film (and my personal favourite comedy), Morgan's Creek is a close second. With razor sharp dialogue, incredibly talented physical actors, and the undercurrents of blasphemy and risque subject matyer, Sturges constructs a tightly wound plot about the spontenous marriage of Trudy Kockenlocker (how did Sturges get this name by the censors?) to an unnamed G.I. After a farewell party for the boys, Trudy returns home with a curtian ring on her finger and the faint recollection of a wedding. Soon after, Trudy discovers that she's pregnant! Facing disgracement she attempts to marry Norville Jones, a local banker who's been in love with Trudy since they were kids. Realizing that Norville really does love her, and that she truly loves him, Trudy can't agree to the match - "It's bigamy!" Without the marriage certificate from the first wedding, Trudy can't have that union annulled, so she and Norville get married with him posing as the first husband. When he accidently signs his real name in the register, he's arrested for impersonating an officier, contributing to the moral deliquiency of a minor and a slew of other charges. He escapes (relucantly) and Trudy and her family move from town to avoid disgrace (remember, this is the 40s). When Trudy does have the children (yes, children), the whole marriage issue is resolved with a gubernially gesture. Hilarious!
As I've commented before about Sturges' films, what makes Morgan's Creek shine is the cast of secondary characters - Trudy's sister, the town lawyer, the banker. Far and away the best of these characters is William Demarest as Trudy's single, putupon father. With physical comedy equal to Eddie Bracken's, a rough, loud demeanor, Demarest is perfect and, unlike in other Sturges films, properly utilized.
Being alone, I threw on The Miracle of Morgan's Creek, yet another film by one of the funniest filmmakers of all time, Preston Sturges. While The Lady Eve might well be Sturges best film (and my personal favourite comedy), Morgan's Creek is a close second. With razor sharp dialogue, incredibly talented physical actors, and the undercurrents of blasphemy and risque subject matyer, Sturges constructs a tightly wound plot about the spontenous marriage of Trudy Kockenlocker (how did Sturges get this name by the censors?) to an unnamed G.I. After a farewell party for the boys, Trudy returns home with a curtian ring on her finger and the faint recollection of a wedding. Soon after, Trudy discovers that she's pregnant! Facing disgracement she attempts to marry Norville Jones, a local banker who's been in love with Trudy since they were kids. Realizing that Norville really does love her, and that she truly loves him, Trudy can't agree to the match - "It's bigamy!" Without the marriage certificate from the first wedding, Trudy can't have that union annulled, so she and Norville get married with him posing as the first husband. When he accidently signs his real name in the register, he's arrested for impersonating an officier, contributing to the moral deliquiency of a minor and a slew of other charges. He escapes (relucantly) and Trudy and her family move from town to avoid disgrace (remember, this is the 40s). When Trudy does have the children (yes, children), the whole marriage issue is resolved with a gubernially gesture. Hilarious!
As I've commented before about Sturges' films, what makes Morgan's Creek shine is the cast of secondary characters - Trudy's sister, the town lawyer, the banker. Far and away the best of these characters is William Demarest as Trudy's single, putupon father. With physical comedy equal to Eddie Bracken's, a rough, loud demeanor, Demarest is perfect and, unlike in other Sturges films, properly utilized.
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