Armstrong Family Circus

Just because its a theme song, doesn't mean its not true

Paul — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 17:13:00 EST

Its hard not to look back on Tropic Thunder without finding several lines and situations that were out and out hilarious. A classic satire on Vietnam movies and war movie in general, Tropic Thunder is the story of a real life war in a fake movie that isn't being made, but was supposed to be made. A blockbuster movie, adapted from a novel written by a war veteran "Four Leaf" Tayback (played by Nick Nolte), with Hollywoods biggest stars of comedy (Jeff Portnoy, played by Jack Black), drama (5 time Oscar winner Kirk Lazarus, played by Robert Downey Jr) and action (Tugg Speedman, played by Ben Stiller). During initial filming the actors aren't cooperating, the shots are failing the movie seems doomed (the fake movie, not the real movie -- yet); in an effort to get more "authentic" acting, first time director Damien Cockburn, takes the actors to the jungle and drops them off (hiding cameras throughout). Unfortunately, Damien gets blown up by a land mine; which the actors believe is just an effect; and real drug lords happen upon the heavily "armed" actors and begin to attack. What ensues is a long series of misunderstandings, not unlike Three's Company (but set in a jungle). There are fairly hilarious moments, but also very long periods of tired and dull moments. The absolute best part of the movie is Tom Cruise. Yes, Tom Cruise. Who plays a bald, fat, hairy, crass movie executive - pretty much Jerry Maguire (if Jerry Maguire were real and not a Hollywood invention), as well as the opening "fake" trailers (for movies the actors; Tugg Speedman, Kirk Lazarus, Jeff Portnoy). The movie is both violent, vulgar, campy and boring. Other than that, its good, but not great; and certainly not something one has to see on the big screen.

Why so serious?

Paul — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:04:00 EST

The superlatives and accolades that have been tossed at The Dark Knight are to the point where you almost feel like hating the movie just because its so popular (I'm looking at you Luke -- but seriously, I have the tendency as well). There's very little else one can say that hasn't been exhausted. The Dark Knight is fantastic. Its plot complex, the characters subtle, mysterious and realistic, the dialog engaging and though provoking, Ledger is phenomenal (and sadly his death is probably his best shot at getting an Oscar, not his amazing performance). As near to perfect as a film can be, The Dark Knight delivers. What always sets the great films apart from the good films is one thing -- a challenge to our comfort and a universal theme that resonants with the time. The obvious part is The Joker's part of "terrorist", and Batman's role of rescuer/hero. The not so obvious part is that the hero is a villain. Vilified and hunted. The most important and impacting line from the entire movie is at the end; as Chief Gordon and his son watch Batman motor off into the horizon (reminiscent of old westerns, like Shane):

Because he's the hero Gotham deserves, but not the one it needs right now...and so we'll hunt him, because he can take it. Because he's not a hero. He's a silent guardian, a watchful protector...a dark knight.

Often the things we need aren't the things we want. We want the world to be without suffering. We want everyone to be fed. We want to be rich, to be happy, to be protected. We never want to know the cost. We never want to know the sacrifice. We never want to know the natural consequences. If a hero is truly a hero, then they see those things we ignore, and do what has to be done anyway. That, to me, is the most poignant insight into our American culture that cinema has attempted in the last 5 years.

Distractions: Opening Ceremonies Edition

Paul — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 09:22:00 EST

You know the drill by now. Get up in it.

My Name is Mitchell; welcome to my study. Let's see what I've found in my study drawers.. Seems the fake weird creepy guy humor has played itself out, but its still sorta funny. via
10 Reasons It Would Rule To Date A Unicorn (a list so important it has its own URL)
Incredibly designed and organized chart of movie box office runs (sorted by date/year).
Waldo has been found
Illusionators: We're Sorry Part 1 (and the aftermath
The great story of David Hartwig and his "assistant" Skidboot (the dog walks and leads horses, gets the phone, seems to just understand what his owner wants -- amazing)
Junior is the saddest cat in all the world
Crazy Russian Grandma Fight Club
Stupid people and the Vehicles they Wreck (it is as it sounds)
Cake's -- that don't quite say what they ought to say
How American's Die (a somewhat interesting poster)
Jim Gillette -- How to scream like an 80's Hair Rock God (I believe the pants have everything to do with it).
How can I pass this up? 25 awesome foods you never knew you could deep fry! (just looking at this food will clog your arteries)

Disconnect The Dots

Paul — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 17:50:00 EST

So here's the finished movie. Last night (Tuesday, Aug. 5th) was the awards show for the 48 Hour Film Nashville, our awesome team took home zero awards. Meh, politics. I'm still proud of our final product, now you can watch it too!

Distractions: Smoke 'Em If You Got 'Em

Paul — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 08:08:00 EST

I'm shooting a wedding today, and trying to finish up a few other projects, but for the upcoming weekend I've left you all with some healthy doses of distraction:

Days With My Father is a simple, elegant, amazing and powerful photog by Phillip Toledano
Keeping up with amazing pictures, here's NASA Images site. Breath-taking. Stunning. Its hard to comprehend that all of that is out beyond us (and most all of us will never "experience" it)
Funny Swedish insurance commercial - Acupuncture Predicament
CHOCOLATE. COVERED. BACON.. Greasy. Crispy. Fatty. Salty. Sweet. Sounds bizarre.
A new Japanese sensation -- Ghost Wrestling
Album covers recreated using LEGO's
This image may change your life -- no wait, it WILL change your life.
Timelapse painting of Goonies as Sgt. Pepper's
Great little stop-animation video Western Spaghetti
Nice Google feature --- Ewmew Fudd Seawch
Not sure the squeamish, another "public service announcement" (for Motor Rijder Magazine) that goes beyond our comfort for shock (and a point, I think)
This really really had to hurt, but the height she gets is amazing (but ouch): Highest Blob Jump
Map of Heaven
Speaking of amazing, I can't imagine having Elephantiasis with ... um ... well, this poor guy is lugging around a Hippity Hop
Font Conference. I think Dingbats is by far the best part

The one where I realize that life never gets easier you only accumulate more complex problems

Paul — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:45:00 EST

Its been five months since we realized we had to tackle our debt problem. Not merely address it, not merely talk about, not merely talk to someone else about it; but learning to say "no". Learning to go without. Learning to swallow some pride, learning to sacrifice. And here we are, just one more outstanding debt to go and we're free. Truly free from a fake security. A fake sense of worth and value. Free. Five months ago I honestly didn't believe we could save enough money while killing our debt and still eat. Somehow we've done just that. $18,000 of debt gone; AND I just ate dinner (so what that it was mashed potatoes, just mashed potatoes, I'm still full -- and alive). I take that back -- somehow God has provided, to allow us to be at this point. Semantics, eh? I can't think of a greater environment to welcome Circus performer #3 into the Family Armstrong than to be unburdened (in so many more ways than just financially). We won't be worrying about getting the baby the newest clothes (that a baby will wear all of 1 month and poop and spit up on) or a new crib or decorating their room. These things don't matter (we just allowed ourselves to listen to those voices that pressure you into thinking you need and want things, things, things, things). I think we've learned, beyond not using credit cards (and not just because our credit "rating" is destroyed) that learning to say no to "things" -- saying no to getting that extra large McDonald's fries thing, no to eating out again with some friends thing, no to buying that "little" gift for you kids or your friends or yourself thing. Learned to not be so vain as to fear asking for help, or getting second hand or used things, or even shopping "discount" (aka Walmart). I'm not sure how it happened, but I thank God it did. I went from feeling helpless and worthless, to peaceful, unburdened and fulfilled. You can too ...

there is hope, my daydream child

Paul — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:25:00 EST

Its never easy to hope. There's such great risk. Such potential of hurt. Love and hope are dangerous things -- because they make us feel. And feelings make us human, but humans fail, and things fall apart; without rhyme or reason or explanation. But we dust off and get up and find the reins of hope yet again. Perhaps foolish and foolhardy, selfish or blind, but there's a story to be written, a life beyond ours and sometimes we're merely a role of the whole. So here we our -- my bride, my wife -- facing another hope. Another child. A third. Another laugh, another voice, another part of our story. Sunshine and a ray. Hints of excitement and anticipation; but only hints. And left lingering is that crush and burst, that pain of hope unrealized. 9 weeks. Fingers crossed. Hope lingering, yet docked on the bay, waiting for assurance. But still hope.

You can't really make a film in 48 hours, can you?

Paul — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:32:00 EST

Apparently you can. And I just took part in making one. But let me backtrack.

Shawn (or motke dapp if you will), Bobby and Mark asked if I would be interested in joining team Fighting With Forks for the Nashville 48 Hour Film Project -- maybe help with writing, still photography or even acting. I said "yes", knowing this sorts of opportunities don't come often in life, and that it would most likely be an amazing time. If you're unaware of what the 48 Hour Film Project is, here's a quick synopsis. Teams compete, city to city, and internationally to create a 4 to 7 minute film in under 48 hours. If that weren't challenge enough, each team is given a random genre (comedy, western, historical/period, holiday film, drama, horror, thriller, etc); as well as a character name, a specific line and another add on such as a certain prop -- to eliminate the chance of any pre-filming or writing, and all music must be original or public domain. Last Friday I drove down to Nashville to take part in all the excitement. Right after getting to Shawn's house, Mark, Shawn and I started to rattle around ideas for stories, while eating pizza. Sometime around 7:30pm Bobby texted with the genre (we got drama), the name (Rob Hatch), the prop - or in this case an occupation (Security Adviser), and line ("My brother had one just like that"). The entire team then arrived and we had a group brainstorm -- discussing drama's we enjoyed, themes we could employ, anything and everything under the sun. Anything from a Hollywood murder drama about a train-wreck film whose producers decide to kill (literally) the main actor to gain attention and sympathy and recoup their budget; to a conceptual piece on Pacifism; to a single shot cry-fest about a husband and wife waiting for terrible news. Sometime around midnight we finalized on an idea and began writing furiously till around 4:30am. After a quiet 2 hour "sleep" we (Shawn and I, and Mark who lives next door to Shawn) we headed to Sonic for intestinal awakening and headed to our yet observed setting. An 70's ranch house in suburban Brentwood -- which turned out to be magical, and mostly because it was large, and had a pool. After seeing the setting we revised the script to more clearly represent and accentuate the house. We assigned roles and characters to our actors (of which I got a nice little role, and did my best not to embarrass the family name). At 10am we began to film -- revised scripts and lines, drank water, sweated, consumed far too many pastries (well, I did at least, for the character), set up the camera and lights; moved the camera and lights and wrapped up final shooting around 10:00pm (and took another hour of clean up and packing). A group of us (me, Shawn, Mark and Bobby) headed to the offices of ICG Link to begin the editing and scoring of the film (and by "us", I mean Bobby because he was the only one of us who knew Final Cut Pro). The editing, cutting, reviewing and finalizing of the film -- including the amazing score by John Marshall -- wrapped up at 6:30pm; a scant half hour before ALL the films had to be in the hands of the 48 Hour judging team (or whatever they were). We reviewed the final film -- and noticed an issue; about 10 seconds of black screen (which was not supposed to be there). Bobby quickly went to work while Shawn and I headed to turn in whatever we had -- hoping for a dramatic switch-a-roo moment. I entered a small cafe/bar at 6:57pm and turned in our paperwork (releases, legalese, and our "final" DVD). And that's the story of how we made "Disconnect The Dots". Sadly, I can't show you the final movie (yet) -- not until the final judging has taken place on August 5th (though, if you speak to me directly, I might see what I can do).

Distractions: The Long Overdue Edition

Paul — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 07:49:00 EST

I'll be heading to Nashville in a few hours to take part in the 48 Hour Film Project with Fighting With Forks (for those uninitiated, its film contest where teams have 2 days to write, act, cast, scout, act, edit a film; within a genre they are randomly given). But I didn't want to leave anyone (anyone? anyone there?) empty handed, so here's a decent list of some interesting and random things:

Wordle - Beautiful Word Clouds -- use any website address to create some fairly spectacular randomly placed "keyword" or "tags" clouds (and change the fonts, etc). Here's the Circus' results.
Watching the Growth of Walmart Across America is a flash time-line that shows the growth of the worlds largest retailer (from its start till now). Daunting and one has to be impressed (regardless of what you think of Walmart)
Simply Noise -- I'm not sure the purpose of the site (other than to have basic white noise -- and pink noise, who's heard of pink noise? -- playing quietly; but it is lulling in a 2am fell asleep in front of the TV sorta way
Totally Looks Like (Famous People and Celebs that Totally Look Like Animals and Other Things) -- brought to you by the makers of LOLCats and completely awesome.
Pointless, yet awesome, Firefox add-on called Am I On MySpace
Things They Don't Tell You (But Should) : A Guide To Life. Some classic illustration gems of advice
I realize this is absolutely inappropriate, but I still find it interesting how far culture can change (and amazing what was truly acceptable) -- 10 of The Most Racist Toys Ever Made
How long would you survive in the vacuum of space? (me, 1:47; and you get to learn exactly what will happen to you as you boil and suffocate, lovely)
The best of news slip ups -- I've seen some of these, but this is a great repository
How To Eat A Watermelon With Petey Greene. Public access cable at its best.
Another video "best of" (if you will) showing you Amazing Things About Everything (turn off the volume because the music is more annoying hearing Jim J. Bullock sing Banana Phone)
How Many Sequels Were There? -- pretty self explanatory (and surprising)
The Museum of Forgotten Art Supplies. Mmm, some really nice stuff (quite of few of these I still have).
Interesting (though gets messed up around 6:50) stop animation video called "Neighbors" by Norman McLaren (1952)

Avoid all entanglements

Paul — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:05:00 EST

Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in a casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket -- safe, dark, motionless, airless -- it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. The alternative to tragedy, or at least to the risk of tragedy, is damnation.

C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves

There's no golden ring at the end of the ride

Paul — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:43:00 EST

Since canceling cable several months ago, I've actually had even more time to devout to quality television (and movies). I had succumb to the "because its on I'll watch it" blindness. But no more. I'm now finding the time intentionally watch shows that have been recommended. One of the first we've dove into is "Rescue Me". I recall watching an episode or 2 many years ago, and for some reason never kept up. On the surface "Rescue Me" follows the life of New York City firefighter Tommy Gavin and his cohorts at Engine 62, especially dealing with the aftermath of September 11th. While life at a firehouse is in itself feverish and exciting, its the relationship of the firefighters, and their families that drive the show. The central character of the show is Tommy Gavin (Denis Leary). Tommy Gavin is a prick. Tommy is opinionated, verbally and physically abusive, manipulative, racist, emotionally detatched and unsympathetic alcoholic. Once he's on his job he's a man of steal who will do anything to make sure every one is rescued -- usually risking his life and the safety of his crew. His wife and he recently separated; and she now lives directly across the street so that he walk over and criticize her parenting skills or spy through the window on her new boyfriend. Tommy breaks the rules -- like the unwritten rule that firefighters never get involved with firefighter widows. So Tommy gets involved with Sheila, a loud mouthed, dramatic, passionate 911 widow -- the widow of Jimmy Keefe (Tommy's cousin and best friend). Throw into this mix the fact that Tommy is tormented by the ghosts of all those he could not save, and one ghost in particular; Jimmy. The show follows the travails, failures, chaos and tragedy that seems to rest on the shoulders of these brave men. Men who find penance in their work. Men who find salvation in their work, which redeems their failures and shortcomings. Even with their problems these men hide their pain, their hurt and their heart (because real men can only make fun of each other, never cry and never need help). Rescue Me is hilarious, uncomfortably realistic, and often moving. If you don't mind realistic domestic issues (including sex and abuse), harsh language; I highly recommend you put this show in your cue.

All things pale in comparison

Paul — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:28:00 EST

Its not hard to find someone who's going through a much more turbulent, tumultuous and difficult time; which gives reference to our own little problems. A friend from church (our worship leader) Andy Reider had lost his mom earlier this year, and then early this morning his sister, Katie Reider (a talented musician herself) died from a complicate myofibroblastic tumor on her brain. So, if you have a chance, pray for the Reider family (Katie had 2 children).

The one that doesn't much matter, but at least its new

Paul — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 15:26:00 EST

Its never easy saying something. Not anything, but something. Something that might matter. Something that might make someone laugh or learn or cry or feel connected or uncomfortable or amused. Then you get stuck trying to find that matter, preoccupied with it, and you keep searching for it, and you give up doing anything for fear of not mattering. This isn't just a blog problem, this is life. Does it matter? Do you matter? Its common to wonder if what you do, who you are, why you are, how you are -- makes any difference, has any impact. If you're on the right path, if you're doing what you should, if you work is worthwhile or fulfilling, if what you believe about life, love, death, war, God, yourself matters. Will you have a legacy. Ultimately its all a way of saying, when you die, will the content of your past be passed. We all know what's important, maybe they don't all fall in the same order, but the list almost universally the same -- family, relationships, community, happiness. Are you doing what you ought to do? Fulfilled? Important? Connected to people? Does it help your community? Does it help your family? Does it impact others beyond yourself? You'll never find those fulfilled in a job, in your work (maybe glimpses, but never just your work alone -- if all your eggs are in that basket, then you might become a very lonely person. Hell, all I do is make meaningless things look decently ok, that will be seen by very few and forgotten just as quickly; that impact no one other than to try and convince them of something; buy this, use this, donate, read, etc.). I don't have the answers, though I feel like I'm on the right path. I'm taking responsibility, because who I am is a direct result of where I've been, and who I'll be is a direct result of where I'm going.

The one where I remember how badly I wanted a rollercoaster in my backyard

Paul — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:29:00 EST

As a little boy I liked to draw, quite a lot. In church I'd use the bulletin cover to draw elaborate roller coasters that looped around spires, careened down mountain sides, tunneled through water and lasted hours on end. Oddly enough, I was terrified to actually ride a roller coaster, but damned if I didn't want to design one to scare everyone. So why am I rambling on about this? Well, I decided to look up homemade or backyard roller coasters; and to my surprise there are quite a few out there.You can even buy used roller coasters if you feel so inclined (its tempting to put this up and charge admission -- too bad we don't have the land for it ...). Here are some examples: Jeremy Reid John Ivers Dennis Walcott And just in case you want to build on yourself, the internet comes to the rescue with this easy to follow how-to process of building your own backyard roller coaster.

CHALLENGE: Go Mix It Up

Paul — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:32:00 EST

So, Michael has a new Summer Mix Series� starting again (which is always good times) and I have an idea for a mix -- a challenge if you will. I've been jotting down songs and titles and trying it myself, and have found it way more difficult than I thought it would or should be. THE CHALLENGE: Pick a song to start with, any song, doesn't matter. The last word of the song title must be the first word of the next song title (excluding "The" or "A"). Exceptions -- words don't have to match in suffix (plural or singular). EXAMPLE: Goodbye Yellowbrick Road - Elton John Road To Nowhere - Talking Heads Nowhere Fast - The Smiths (and so forth and so on) Now go forth, be fruitful and multiply...

Distractions: Might As Well Make Art Edition

Paul — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:58:00 EST

I need a bit of randomness and distractions today -- perhaps lots of us do, a little humor, intrigue and fun?

I know I've shown these before, but they bare being shown again -- 1930s - 40s in Color
Famous People Punching Steve -- it is what it is
This site endless entertains me; and scares me (because I might one day end in their list) -- Photoshop Disasters
FItness from 100 years ago (reminds me of The Road To Wellville).
Planet Tozer by Jason Tozer (these may look like some strange celestial orbs, but in fact they are soap bubbles)
Daniel Rozen creates various forms of "mirrors", which are interactive and made form non-standard materials, such as wood, trash, shiny balls -- well; just watch, you'll see (amazing)
My stance is (and always will be), I'd rather have friends and NOT be (too) socially awkward than be a brilliant misfit, like these kids: Child Prodigies So Amazing That They'll Ruin Your Day

A Man of Destiny, A Boy Of Dispair

Paul — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:30:00 EST

In ancient Jerusalem, during Yom Kippur the people would cast their sins and burden upon a ceremonial goat (a scapegoat) and sent it off to the wilderness to perish. A symbolic gesture -- a literal escape goat -- much like the confession of sins and doing the Rosary, the scapegoat has come to symbolize unjust treatment of someone innocent, when truly its someone whose sacrificed for the sake of others absolution. Eustace Conway was born to be a "Man of Destiny" and that destiny seems to be to carry the burden of his families sins and burdens to the wilderness. In The Last American Man Elizabeth Gilbert explores the life of Eustace Conway, a North Carolina man whose life mission is bring people back to earth -- quite literally -- by teaching them the skills to live off the land and reconnect with how mankind is supposed interact with the earth. Eustace is no hippie, no fly by night environmentalist, no liberal tree-hugger -- he loathed the comparison, no Eustace is a frontier man, a modern Daniel Boone or Davy Crockett; a man that could build a cabin, kill a squirrel at 50 yards with a knife and travel across the country on a horse in under 4 months. From a young age Eustace immersed himself in outdoors, raising hundreds of turtles and taking notes and writing journals, not just observing nature, but examining and learning from it. He could do anything he set his mind on; identify plants and trees, birds and fish, make clothing from leather (leather he tanned and made himself) and live off the land around him for weeks. He could escape. Life was far from perfect. Eustace was ruled by a tyrannical father -- who belittled him daily, openly encouraging Eustace's brothers and sisters to mock and laugh at him. A father who cast his own disappointment and impossible expectations upon his first son. His mother was the daughter of frontier man, a near mirror of Eustace, a mother who could never please her or take her rightful calling (of taking his place at leader of the "Camp Sequoyah For Boys"). His mother tried her best to encourage him, to be diligent and to always believe he could do anything if he set his mind upon it. And he did just that -- always hoping that one day it would be enough to make his dad pleased and proud. So Eustace left, and took the hurts and shame of the family with him off to the wilderness, where he managed to hike the Appalachian Trail, ride horseback across the country, kayak in Alaska, ride a wagon across the north, purchase hundreds of acres of land in Boone North Carolina (while living just off the land in a teepee) and founded Turtle Island Preserve while spreading his message to kids, classrooms, colleges, radio and TV. But never has he found satisfaction or contentment from the one place he needs it most -- a father who accepts him for who he is. The Last American Man is a slap to our collective faces. We've lost what it means to a man, your even human in the purest sense of existence; to know our world, to make it thrive and continue the cycle of stewardship and care giving, of truly providing and reusing and releasing our dependence upon worthless things:

... in nature everything is connected, circular. The seasons are circular. The planet is circular, and so is its passage around the sun. The course of water over the earth is circular, coming down from the sky and circulating through the world to spread life and then evaporating up again. ... I live in a circular teepee and I build my fire in a circle, and when my loved ones visit me, we sit in a circle and talk. The life cycles of plants and animals are circular. ... but we modern people have lost sight of that ... They live in boxes. They wake up every morning in the box of their bedroom because a box next to them started making beeping noises to tell them it was time to get up. They eat their breakfast from a box where they throw that box away into another box. Then they leave the box where they live and get into a box with wheels and drive to work, which is just another big box broken up into lots of little cubicle boxes where a bunch of people spend their days sitting and staring at the computer boxes in front of them. ... Break out of the box ... You're not handcuffed to your culture!" The Last American Man, Pages 18-19

That doesn't mean any of us will live in a teepee on our own land in the wilds of North Carolina, but we certainly learn more about how to grow our own foods, use our hands to make and build and exert some healthy energy, use less resources, care for what we have; without being a fanatic or spaced-out idealist. All the while the contrast of a man so full of energy and vigor and passion and knowledge -- so attune to life; finds himself alone, looking for approval from a father, a wife and companion, unable to lift the burdens put on his shoulders.

The last of the real men

Paul — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 08:37:00 EST

I just finished a book on Eustace Conway ("The Last American Man" - which I'll review soon); amazing how generation after generation the only idea of "frontier" (someone who is able to live of the land, build their own houses, tools, garden, make clothes, etc) is idealized and never realized.

Apparently his dog doesn't deserve to live?

Paul — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:36:00 EST

Ohio got it into its dumb skull that a certain type of dog needs to be eradicated -- regardless of its true disposition or even public record. House Bill 568 is a ridiculous bill that seems to at best not understand dog behavior and breed versus human responsibility (for training, rearing and care of an animals overall temperament). Essentially the bill gives carte blanche to anyone who sees a dog acting aggressively toward someone (What about all those small annoying rat dog breeds that bite, growl and are VERY aggressive toward people -- they're just small, but far more vicious in terms of disposition -- should we kill them too?). Sirius (pictured above) looks to many people like a pit bull -- though more precisely, to us he looks like a blend of a Labrador and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. As you can see in the picture he's harmless. Is he protective -- hell yes. Is he territorial -- yup. Does he growl and bark at strangers -- yes, just like a Golden Retriever, Labrador, or any dog in general -- dogs are territorial by their species; not breed. The fact that he looks scary (according to the bills logic) by default means that he is scary and must therefore will kill you at any second. That's the logic, and its sad. If this goes through, we might have to move from Ohio (because I'm not willing to lose our dog because of a spooked neighbor who probably doesn't like dogs anyway is afraid of our dog and calls the police who then have the right to come into our home without cause and take Sirius and euthanize him). Shame on you Ohio.

Carry the light

Paul — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:55:00 EST

At some point in all our lives we wonder what might the world be like if all the things we knew, had grown accustomed to were gone. Destroyed. Vanished in some global war or catastrophe. Its not a new story; as old as man, the idea of judgment on humanity, of rapture and apocalypse., but Cormac McCarthy deftly and mercilessly takes us on a small journey through narrow vision of the old story. "The Road" is as much about the end as it is the beginning but more than anything its about small hopes in purposeless times. "The Road" focuses on the journey of 2 people with no names; simply a father and son, who along with meager possessions (like loose blankets, canned goods and a grocery cart) head south in the hope of something more than scorched earth. We don't know what happened, but that its been years and all things have run out; been rummaged and foraged and spoiled and all that's left are the remnants of humankind left to his own devices for survival. The man protects his boy with a single gun with 3 bullets -- to keep the bad guys away. Bad guys who will take anything, eat anything. The walk on dead and quiet roads and paths; a blackened sky, ashen haze over everything; black sooty rivers and streams. No calls of animals or birds. As they journey we gather glimpses of what was and what is and how it all fell after -- after the happening, the bright light, the slight rumble, the very night the boy was born. A child with no memory of blue skies, birds or animals, cities or people, nothing but burning and fires, death and walking and starving. Yet his father knows the boy carries the flame, the fire -- he's chosen. So then walk for the south, the ocean. In what might seem like a bleak and hopeless message, McCarthy paints the perfect portrait of sacrifice and love and that hope can transcend despair. For me, it felt like the countless dreams I've had of watching the world end, of not being able to protect my family and my fear or treading where McCarthy goes -- the depravity of man when they cease to believe in life or hope. I highly recommend the book, for those who aren't faint of heart or disturbed (there are gruesome portraits of man doing to other man/woman/child -- though never graphic or grotesque or shocking for the sake of shocking). The book is being made into a movie, tentatively set to release in the fall of 2008, directed by John Hillcoat and starring Viggo Mortensen (whom I actually pictured as the father when reading the book -- he and Christian Bale).

There was sunburn and rashes, fevers and wine, pirates and speeding tickets

Paul — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:14:00 EST

Another vacation has come and gone, mixing both extremes of time -- going at once too fast and at times seeming like it was years ago that it started. We started with a child sick and ended with impetigo. There was much wine and cigars, mini golf and sunburnt shoulders, stingrays hovering in the surf, extreme heat, books read, friends visited, prayers shared and passed, sleeping in sheets gritty where sand never seems to vanish, and one speeding ticket (with much appreciation to Marion, South Carolina for the $130 gesture for going with the flow of traffic and just 10 miles over -- as well as providing no information on who or how to pay the ticket) that soured the entire trip. Now were thrust back into life and responsibilities, tasks and duties -- but left with the satisfaction of memories.

Nothing more helpless than being unable to provide comfort

Paul — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 10:53:00 EST

We're sitting 500 miles away from Abigail in a city of the same name -- as she goes to a hospital in Wilmington (Delaware) with my parents and we're helpless in Wilmington (North Carolina); praying that all is ok. Yet again Abigail has gotten a facial rash that has deformed her face into a red, bumpy and sploched map. Sometime on Wednesday (of last week) she started a small sunburn on her face, which slowly showed rash -- which grew and worsened in pain and itchness; and hasn't gotten better. The plan all along was for the kids to go back with my parents to Delaware after vacation for some relaxation, swimming and having fun with their grandparents, while Sonya and I would quickly visit with friends in Wilmington, North Carolina, then head home for a few days to work and get a little break and drive to Delaware on Friday to get the kids. Now we're just waiting to hear back about a diagnosis, some game plan -- twiddling our thumbs wondering what (if anything) can or should be done. Its the worst feeling not being their to support your child, as they're scared, nervous and anxious. Empty and impotent, helpless. There's only hope and trust and prayer -- which honestly feels inadequate at best.

Making Your Home A Mystery To Interact Within

Paul — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:58:00 EST

Architect Eric Clough has created quite a unique space in a common 5th Avenue (New York City) apartment for the Klinsky-Sherry family. A house full of 18 clues, puzzles, games, secret panels and doors and pictures (including a soundtrack and books) all to tell a unique story and experience for the family. Brilliant. (via)

Random Thoughts Of A Road Wreary Traveler After Endless Hours Of Staring At Blank Asphalt

Paul — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 19:04:00 EST

Somehow we've made it from southwest Ohio to southeast North Carolina (going from we'll see if we get a vacation at all to lets pack right now and leave in the morning). Being suck in the same seat, in the same position for hours on end leaves the mind to wander in vast expanses of random. Here are some my random (internal) ponderings:

Listening to movies (and not seeing) is like holding your nose when you eat (flavorless).
What ever happened to hitchhikers?
Pancake houses are the new Starbucks (at least in the south).
It's not so much "the more you learn the less you know" (thank you Hogan Family) as it is "the more you learn the less you remember"
How long till "science" decides to build the worlds largest (man-made) mountain -- afterall its just a pile of dirt and rocks
Billboards make the sky sad
The last 42 minutes and 12 seconds of a 12 hour drive are eternal (I'm still driving them ...)
Pixar -- the greatest film studio in the last 15 years? I say -- yes, by leaps and bounds
Florence, South Carolina -- I'd rather smell 17 year old cottage cheese
It costs $420 round trip on gas alone. It might officially be cheaper to fly (all 4 of us) -- and that seems insane.
Are birds getting suicidal? I don't remember so many fly by near misses.

More evidence that people aren't innately good and there might not be any hope for human decency (in Florida)

Paul — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:41:00 EST

See more funny videos at CollegeHumor

"I wanted that money and then it was mine". "I'm actually pissed, because I shoulda kept that money with all the charges they brought; I don't feel sadness for that little girl." These idiot girls need to get together with this kid and do some hood rat things. (via)