Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Carroll's Journal #3 (The Batman)

Dave called me today and told me that somebody recommended that I come back to Goodreads under another name. My first thought was, I could come back as Batman. Then I realize that would be ridiculous. I mean, if I come back I would want to come back as me. And if I were to come back right now, I would just probably go straight to my “edit profile” section and click the good ole delete button. David knows this, which is why he still refuses to give me my new password.

Are you having fun being me David? LOL

Now watch someone go into Goodreads and make a Batman account, and everyone will think it’s me. Wouldn’t that be a kick in the ass?

I have often dreamed of being a superhero. Of being The Batman! Good thing I’m not right now, my hernia has put me down for a few weeks and right now, if I were Batman, Gotham would be in chaos what with that damn Joker always up to no good.

I am faced with the biggest decisions I can ever recall recently that I have had to make, outside of leaving Goodreads. I am afraid that what I decide will destroy one of the best friendships I ever had with anybody on Goodreads. It is going to break my already broken heart. This decision isn’t about me pulling the trigger on what might be best for my writing in the future, should I ever return to Goodreads, but I have to decide if my manager should make the call. And I know what he wants to do.

You see, he uncovered something suspicious. His goal is to rid my group and everything surrounding me and my writing of all the drama. He wants to eliminate anyone who may have a hand in stirring it all up. My feelings more so. Of course, we all know the main source for this part of the drama however, he may have uncovered some new players in the circle. While no concrete evidence is there to support his suspicions, the uncanny coincidence is too great to ignore.

He is only trying to look out for my best interest.

I wish these two cats would leave it alone for just one night. Every night, outside my window, the same scratch and bite. It is driving me loco.

Their screeches and hisses sound like my heart and soul, at war with other. Two felines trying to make love again.

Why does that comfort me so much?

Deprived of my conscience, something has to give.

I guess my mother was right, she said that often times, we have to make choices out of love and not all of those choices will reflect that love. In the end, one has to decide what is more important to one’s well being. Mental well being. To even think that someone who lives deep in my heart could even possibly betray me is unfathomable.

But the probability of it isn’t.

All I ever wanted in life was a girl to like me for me. All my life girls only wanted one thing, to be swept away by my blue eyes. I have lived inside of lonely because of it. I think the reason I am so involved in my emotions towards this Jude girl is because, I know she is kind of chubby, but she had in the beginning such a warming personality and I fell for that. And I wanted her to like me for me and nothing else. Not because I have blonde hair or blue eyes to die in or because I can write songs, poems and books … just like me for me.

I am a human being too, damn it!

I figured if I couldn’t get her to do that then I would not be able to get anybody to.

I have lost faith in humanity again.

Now what?

What happens to Gotham City when Batman dies? Robin takes over the crusade?

Really? Robin? you’re kidding right?

Robin?

I’d rather be The Joker.

Looking out of my window, I can see the Bat signal.

I close my curtains.

Bruce Wayne is going to bed now.


(SEETHER) THE GIFT http://youtu.be/vJUuzAnaWp0

That Sucks (Carroll's Journal #2)

I just woke up from a nightmare. Talk about radical.

I walked outside to smoke a cigarette and dwell a little in what my mind concocted while I was sleeping. I don’t really want to get into it, but one thing I have concluded is, love sucks.

Okay, maybe not love, but loving someone who hates you sucks big time. Worse than that, not being able to lose myself in my writing because she is there too. Even more worse than that, knowing that she is shadowing me and … no, I am not going to continue with this stupid dribble. She hates you Carroll, get over it! Why can’t you get over it?

With all of our technology, you’re telling me that we can’t invent a button that we can click and zap! Emotions be-gone! LOL That would be cool.

Well, what do you know, I discovered I am human after all. Huh! Go figure. Nice timing heart. I would say that I vow to never play the game of love again but then, I would only be losing by forfeit. There’s no honor in that, is there?

Why does it rain 102.3 % of the time?

I think I will go and make me a sammitch.

Do you know the difference between a sandwich and a sammitch? Well, a sandwich is just a sandwich, but a sammitch is ……….. WOW!!!

Then I think about Brittany. I think if I asked her to marry me, she would. Even after my Valentine’s Day blunder. She still had that look in her eyes when we mutually agreed to ‘just be friends’ in the Walmart.

Let me say that again … THE WALMART!!!!

Yeah, we walked into the store a couple and by the time we made it to the check out line, we were ‘just friends’. And while we’re on the subject, just what the hell is JUST FRIENDS anyway? I mean, what does it mean? “Sorry babe, I love you but, let’s be just friends.”

That’s what “she” said. The girl who haunts my dark soul. And look how that turned out.

Give me a freaking break.

It’s tough enough to give up on one dream in a lifetime, but I gave up on two dreams in the past nine months. Now I am staring down the barrel of losing my best friend on Goodreads too because of this whole stupid stinking mess.

I don’t know how much of these great times I can handle anymore. Thank goodness for my LOL’s.

Okay! Gloomy Gus here saying …. May my next journal post be cheerier than cheerios. LOL But not as crunchy as the Captain.

No, I didn’t just make two breakfast cereal puns?

I even thought about getting someone to hack her accounts for revenge. I could never live with myself. It just blows monkey chunks that some people can push you to the brink of your own kindness.

And now I carry this feeling that I got set up by someone I thought was my friend. If I find out ….. You know, this is what the situation has done to me, it has me questioning everyone I consider a friend. Are they going to do me the same way SHE did? Are they just trying to play me too? I mean, this is what that girl did to me and my writing and my whole way of thinking.

I had a dream of her a few nights ago also, actually it was a nightmare. She was mocking me through my computer screen. Laughing.  So I leaped into the screen and came out on the other end and fell to the floor. When I stood up, she was standing next to Satan and two other demonic spirits. I started fighting the spirits. They were beating me silly when I awoke kicking and screaming.

This is when I suffered a mild hernia.

I have been druged up the past couple of days. It feels better now.

It’s still raining. I guess that means today is gonna suck.

That sucks.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

My First Day Without Goodreads (Carroll's Journal #1)

Okay, well, I thought I would have some kind of withdrawal symptoms by now after being without Goodreads for a full 24 hours plus. LOL But no such luck. I had a nice walk to the post office where on my return home, stopped and had a bite to eat and got to talk to some locals.

Took another nice slow walk around the hood, my sister and nephew dropped by and we took him to the ice cream store then I played some Madden NFL, and played some computer games while doing some research for some upcoming posts.

I think this weekend I am going back to doing some good old fashioned book reading.

Friday, I am going to Columbus to visit my manager, eat pizza and play some Madden with him. I have a score to settle after the last time. LOL

Since my manager has taken over my Goodreads account, he is finding it more difficult than he thought. He already learned one important thing, that you don't have to delete your account and open a new one to change you name. LOL I am never going to let him live that one down. I completely lost it when he told me.

Well, the house is clean, the dishes done, all is quiet and .... I am so freaking bored! LOL And loving every minute of it. I do miss my Goodreads friends though.  What I don't miss is the drama that a certain someone always seemed to love to give me. I wonder how she is doing? ... Who cares? Haha

Maybe I will keep a journal of my time away from Goodreads. I mean, I was on there everyday except for when I was in the hospital after suffering from stress caused by that girl. LOL Oh, the memories.

I am working on a couple of projects. I hope to share more on that later. Until then, I am going to go watch a movie or something and you all have a great day or night, whichever apllies.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Picture Page Sunday #1

I figured, what the heck, let's throw something in that we don't have to bake our brains over. And everybody loves pictures, right? LOL So here are some pictures that I kind of like and hope you like them too.




The following picture is of me, taken recently and looking up at a UFO? You make the call.







Okay, that's it for my first PICTURE PAGE SUNDAY.  Maybe we will do this again sometime.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Influences #1 - Rick Springfield


I have had so many influences that have inspired me to write not only books, but songs and poetry as well. It’s really hard to say which of them all made the most impact, but I wanted to share them one by one with all my friends, fans and followers.

The first one I am going to talk about is the working class dog himself -


                     RICK SPRINGFIELD.


Born in Australia as Richard Lewis Springthorpe on August 23rd, 1949, he changed his name at a time when it was quite common to do so in the 70’s for showmanship purposes. It was the entertainment industry’s opinion that Springfield was sexier than Springthorpe.

Getting his first gig as a member of the band ZOOT, Rick Springfield soon gained the reputation of being the shy guy, often playing on stage with his back to the audience.

Signed to a record deal in 1972, his first release “Beginnings” featured his first top 40 hit, “Speak to the sky”. He then went on to release “Comic Book Heroes” which fizzled with both critics and mainstream. His short lived animation series, “Mission Magic” also fizzled after just one season.




He then began making appearances on several popular 70’s sitcoms, or as he would put it, “Whoring himself out as an actor to support my music addiction.” which also include hit TV shows like “Wonder Woman” , “The Six Million Dollar Man”, “The Rockford Files” and “The Incredible Hulk”.



Also during this time, he would record and release the album, “Wait For Night” to little or no attention. He also made appearances on such variety shows like “Sonny and Cher”.

It wasn’t until 1980 when he secured a record deal with RCA and made his debut on the famous hit soap opera called “General Hospital” as the dashing and charming Dr. Noah Drake did Rick Springfield finally hit pay dirt and super-stardom with the hit single “Jessie’s Girl” (His signature song) off his “Working Class Dog” album which also features the song, “I’ve Done Everything For You” written by Sammy Hagar, the ex Van Halen front man, replacing David Lee Roth in the 80’s.


In 1982, his album, “Success Hasn’t Spoiled Me Yet” was released and so was his second signature song, “Don’t Talk To Strangers”. Followed by his 1983 release, “Living In Oz”, which features the hits “Human Touch” and “Affair Of The Heart” (My personal favorite) as well as “Souls”. (I also like the song “I Can’t Stop Hurting You” off that album)

In 1984, he took his stab at acting with the world wide release of his move, “Hard To Hold” which also came with the soundtrack. The music was great, edging out hits like, “Bop ‘Till You Drop”, “The Great Lost Art of Conversation”, “Don’t walk Away” and of course, “Love Somebody”. The movie however, didn’t do as well. Rick claims the every human disease of “Vanity” as the main reason for the movie’s failure.

He would go on to continue releasing more music, starting with “Beautiful Feelings”, which produced one mild hit for him called “Bruce” (although, I also liked “Looking For The one” and perhaps my all time favorite, “Spanish Eyes”), “Tao” and “Rock Of Life”.



In the 90’s, he did some made for TV movies, “Dead reckoning” in1990, “A Change Of Place” (1994) and “Dying To dance (1999). He also tried his hand in a TV series called “Human Target” which lasted less than a full season after he had played the character Nick Knight on a made for TV special that led to the now famous television series of the vampire cop working the night shift trying to become mortal again.

Since the new millennium, Rick has gone on to release perhaps his best work. The CD release of “Karma” early on set the tone for his last two, “Venus In Overdrive” and my new all-time favorite CD of his, “Shock, Denial, Anger, Acceptance”.

For me, it was when I heard the song “I Can’t Stop Hurting you” off his “Living In Oz” release did I become a life long fan and he, inspiring me with his song writing.

Man crush? Perhaps, but let’s face it, Rick Springfield owned the 80’s. Or at the very least, co-owned it. And even to this day, his writing continues to influence me just as it did twenty plus years ago.

My seeing him in concert for the first time was only out done by meeting him in person at a friend’s private wedding where he shelled out a ton of money for Rick to fly in and perform. I got to have about 15 minutes with Rick at the bar after his autograph session and right before he headed back out, home to California. No, I am not going to spill the content of that conversation, and yes, that was my moment of Zen.

I also read his book, "Late, Late At Night"

Here’s to you, Rick Springfield, for influencing and inspiring me to write.


KEEP ON ROCKIN!



Carroll's DVD/Movie Review #6

Hey everyone, it's been a rough week so excuse me for being late, but look on the bright side, I have a couple of OUTSTANDING movies for you this week. I think you're going to like them so let's cut to the chase. First up:

WHAT DREAMS MAY COME

This 1998 release stars Robin Williams, Cuba Gooding Jr. and the lovely, Annabella Sciorra. Now, let me just go on record here in saying that for the body of work, I am not a Robin Williams fan, however, this one is one of the few that I will watch again and again in the future. I ignored this film back in the day but for 3.99 where I found it in the bargain bin, I took a chance and glad I did. I would have paid 9.99 for it. LOL

The title is taken from a line in Hamlet's 'To be or not to be' soliloguy and was based on the novel by the same name written by Richard Matheson (Which now I am going to add this book to my to read list on Goodreads) and was directed by Vincent Ward.

The plot:

While vacationing in Italy, Dr. Christopher "Chris" Nielsen (Robin Williams) accidentally meets artist Annie Collins (Annabella Sciorra), with whom he has an instant connection. They marry and have two children: Ian (Josh Paddock) and Marie (Jessica Brooks Grant). Their idyllic life comes to an end when the children die in a car crash, and while things are at first very difficult with Annie mentally breaking down and the risk of divorce hanging over their heads, they manage to pull through.
However, on the anniversary of the day they decided not to divorce, Chris is involved in a car accident that kills him. Initially confused as to why nobody can interact with him, Chris lingers on Earth, watching Annie cope with the loss and attempting to communicate with her, until he understands how this harms her, and he decides to move on.
Chris awakens in Heaven (where everything is controlled and produced by his mind), where a man (Cuba Gooding Jr.) whom Chris recognizes as Albert, his friend and mentor from his medical residency, is there to guide him. As Albert walks Chris through his new abilities, both are surprised when a Blue Jacaranda tree appears unbidden in Chris's personal section of Heaven, matching a tree in a new painting of Annie's, indicating that the couple are a rare case of soul mates. During his tour he also encounters an Asian woman with a nametag reading "Leona", whom he recognizes as his daughter Marie, living in a section shaped like a diorama she loved. The two share a tearful reunion.
Meanwhile, on Earth, Annie is unable to cope with the loss of her husband and commits suicide. Chris, who is initially relieved that her suffering is over, quickly turns to anger when he learns that those who commit suicide are sent to Hell, as it is their nature to create "anti-fantasy" worlds based on their pain. He is adamant that he will rescue Annie from Hell, despite Albert's insistence that no one has ever succeeded in doing so. Albert agrees to find Chris a "tracker" (who takes the form of Sigmund Freud) to help find Annie's soul.
Journeying to Hell, Chris finds himself recalling memories of his son. Remembering how he'd called him the one man he'd want at his side to brave hell with, Chris realizes Albert is Ian: the boy explains that he chose to appear as Albert because he was the only person Chris would ever listen to. Before they part ways, Ian bids Chris to remember how he saved his marriage during the aftermath of the car crash, when Annie's grief led her to be institutionalized, and to their near divorce.
After traversing a field full of the faces of the damned, they come upon a hellish replica of his and Annie's house. The tracker, who reveals himself as the real Albert, warns Chris that if he stays with Annie for more than a few minutes, he may become permanently trapped too, and that all that may be done is allow them a proper goodbye. He also explains to Chris that his loved ones have appeared as other people so that he would allow them to guide him.
Chris enters the house to find Annie unable to remember anything, even that she committed suicide. After he is unable to make her remember, he chooses to join Annie forever in Hell. However, remembering the words he says as he accepts the sacrifice as the same ones he'd given her when she'd been institutionalized, Annie comes to, and Chris awakes with Annie in Heaven once more.
Chris and Annie are reunited with their children (who take on their own appearances once again), and while the four are happy to see each other again, Chris suggests being reborn, so that he and Annie can experience the only thing they won't be able to replicate in Heaven: life. The film ends with Chris and Annie meeting again as young children


I am telling you all that you must see this movie. It is as artistic and poetic as it is acted and written out. There were moments I wanted to cry. (Maybe I did and maybe I didn't, I will never tell!)

I give it a solid 9 Stars.




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TIDELAND

Get ready to go through a box of tissues on this one. This is so sad, but very good. Directed by Terry Gilliam, this 2005 release flew under the radar as an independent film if I am not mistaken.

A lonely girl gets trapped in an eerie fantasy world after her irresponsible parents die.

This is all I am going to say because I want you to feel the impact of this film as it happens like I did.

It stars Jeff Bridges, Jennifer Tilly and Jodell Ferland.

My mother couldn't watch this all the way through. That's how sad it is.

I give it 8 Stars for sure.




See you all next time. I hope you enjoy these films if you get a chance to find them. They are worth seeing.

Baby Carz

Okay, here it is, my baby picture. Take a good look at my chubby little ass and get it out of your system. I had this posted in my Goodreads but then I took it down. I decided to post it here. Enjoy. Just don't laugh too hard, okay? I have one in color at my parents house, but my father did something with this one when he printed it up that made it come out like it did and I thought it was cool so I took this one home to frame.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Interview With M.G. Wells

BIO: 

M.G. Wells is a fine artist, produced playwright and novelist. LightMasters: Number 13 is M.G.'s debut novel. M.G.'s creative inspirations are as vast and varied as her body of work.




1. Tell us a little bit about your book, Lightmasters: Number 13.


Jessica is a smart, bold courageous teen who discovers she has amazing powers on her 13th birthday. After her parents’ sudden death, Jessica is stuck living with her weird, gassy grandparents in upstate New York. 

Angry about being forgotten on her 13th birthday Jessica is lured into the forest by a strange spiral light. In the woods she encounters three magical beings, who call themselves Lightmasters. The leader, Dragateen, tells Jessica she has special powers. 

Intrigued, she agrees to be transported to another dimension where she is tested for her courage, strength and ability to overcome obstacles. Life changes drastically after Jessica returns to earth. 

During school the next day, her reality shifts and people start turning into repulsive, reptilian monsters. Course, it doesn’t help that it’s Halloween, which makes it even more bizarre. 

Dragateen explains to Jessica she's needed by the Lightmaster alliance to defeat an invisible alien beast, who feeds off fear. Follow Jessica on a wild adventure as she learns to empower her mind, conquer her own fears and help rid the world of a wicked alien who hates humans. 



2. When did you first know you wanted to be a writer? 


In my teens, I first had the desire to write and felt I needed more life experience. I lived in a fantasy world and read thousands of books. In my 30’s I finally sat down and started writing the stories that were bouncing around in my head.


3. What would you say is the hardest part about writing a book? 


The most challenging is the process of developing realistic, unique, three-dimensional characters. Then there’s the plot, setting and the editing, which is the most frustrating. It’s great to have someone to help. Also, devising that last awesome sentence, then THE END. 


4. What would you say is the best part about writing a book? 


Finishing is always the most rewarding for me. Also, when others truly like the work, it’s a fabulous feeling. It inspires me to continue writing. 


5. Where do you get your inspiration? 


The news, movies, other books, people—everyplace, everyone and everything. The possibilities are endless. 


6. Are there any authors you look up to that influenced your writing? 


There are hundreds. Some include: J.R.R. Tolkien, Madeleine L'Engle, James Cameron, J.K. Rowling Sue Grafton, Frank Darabont, Steve Cloves, Stephen King, Peter Jackson & Charles Dickens. 


 





7. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors? 


Grow a THICK skin. You’ll need one because there will those who will trash your work because they’re unhappy. Believe in yourself, your work and stay focused. 


8. Describe your book in 3 words. 


9. What sort of activities do you enjoy outside of writing? 


Love art, books, Films/TV, theater, humor, hanging with my friends, eating out, music, painting, photography, writing as well as supporting and empowering others whenever I can.


10. Say you fell down a rabbit hole and found yourself in a world much like the one in your book. What would be the first thing you’d do? 


First, I’d probably freak out, then just go with the flow and enjoy the journey.




Thank you for your time


LINKS:

Novel Website: http://lightmasters13.com/

Personal Website: http://mgwells.net/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/MG_WELLS

Goodreads Profile: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4492558.M_G_Wells

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/MG-Wells/153207434735976



Kindle ebook at: www.Amazon.com 

Paperback is available at: 

www.Amazon.com 

http://www.bn.com/ 


http://www.bookdepository.com/Lightmasters-Wells/9781453885932







Action, Fantasy, Adventure

Friday, February 17, 2012

Carroll's DVD Reviews #5

And I am back! Thank goodness Valentine's is all over with. Have I got a couple of movies for you guys! Well, one really good one and one maybe not so good, I don't know. Anyhow, thanks to an allergic reaction to shell fish, I finally had some time to watch a couple of flicks. Let's get going, okay?

PLANET TERROR

Written and directed by Robert Rodriguez, this action packed thriller is has a couple of big hollywood names, most notable of which is Bruce Willis, Josh Brolin and Rose McGowen.

After an experimental bio-weapon is released, turning thousands into zombie-like creatures, it's up to a rag-tag team of survivors to stop the infected and those behind the release.

Now, I am not one who really gets into zombie movies and crap, but anything with Bruce Willis in it, I have to pretty much watch. (Since I had the pleasure of meeting him and his ex-wife, Demi in Colorado once) And I have to say, I rather enjoyed it very much. The way it was filmed was truely original and I really wanted to see Rose McGowen and her amputated / machine gun leg. Haha (She's still sexy in this movie) To note: I did watch the extended and unrated / 2-disc special edition, but I am sure the "regular" edition is fine too.

Anyhow, for a zombie movie, I will give it 7 1/2 Stars. However, if you don't like your movies to be a little bit gross, then you may not want to watch it. But if zombies is your thing, here you go.




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PAN'S LABYRINTH

I was caught in-between with this one. On the one hand, I wanted so much to like this film. On the other, it just came up short with me.

In the fascist Spain of 1944, the bookish young step-daughter of a sadistic army officer escapes into an eerie but captivating fantasy world.

There were some really good parts which kept me somewhat focused however, there were some parts that made me yawn and these were the parts where I would take my bathroom break. Or fix another bowl of marshmallow Pebbles cereal. Haha ... It was a bit sad so, if you're into sad stories, then you would probably like this one. While I was impressed with the special effects and make-up, the story itself just dragged too much for me. I did not like it as much as I had hoped I would. My rating? ... a weak 5 Stars.


I'm not too sure what I will be watching this week, but I am going to try and work in a good romance or perhaps a classic. There have been a few out there that I have been meaning to watch (or watch again) I mostly like to watch films that are a bit older and may have flown under somebody's radar however, I am looking forward to checking out a new release here and there. I also like to check out Indie films too. I figure the more popular movies get enough attention as it is.

Okay, well, I guess I will see you back here next week. Until then, here is to all your movies being 10 stars!

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Holiday Shuffle

Another Valentine’s Day come and went.

I ask you, what is the point? I mean, my girlfriend knows I care about her so why do I have to stuff her mouth full of chocolate or cover her in flowers or buy her a fragrance that makes her smell like Brittany Spears? (And I’m not convinced that is a good thing.)

Listen, if it sounds like this post is being written by a man who may have flubbed up the special day of love with his sweetheart … well, you’re right. Valentine’s is not exactly my favorite day of the year. In fact, I’m not quite sure which day of the year is my favorite or even if I have a favorite.

Let’s examine, shall we?

Easter - Now there’s a scary sight. A bunny that hops from house to house bringing baskets of candy. Eh, the kids seem to love it. (It is good chocolate though.)

Mother’s Day / Father’s Day - I see my parents a few times a month, talk to them on the phone a few more, and ….. Okay, I kind of like those days, but from what I can gather on my site at Goodreads.com …. there may be some people who take issue with these days. It would seem not every parent should have been a parent. All told, I guess there is nothing wrong in taking a day out of your life to honor those from which you came, provided of course, you have good relations with your parents. And I do.

Labor Day - You know, when I was a kid, I thought this day was reserved for pregnant women. Boy was I wrong! From what I can gather, it appears to be a day to celebrate the fact that Americans like to picnic and get drunk, or otherwise just take a day off from work with pay.

4th Of July - Here is a good one. The declaration of independence was not signed on the 4th, but rather, the 5th of August. (My birthday) It was voted on in the month of July however, that vote took place on the 2nd of July. The vote was announced publicly on the fourth in a local newspaper. (Two days later) Of course, it was to celebrate our freedom from the British. Looking at the number of laws each year being added to the books, how we can claim to be a country of freedom is beyond me. Why, do you know that just since my birth alone, there are at least 35 freedoms that have been taken away from Americans? (True story) To think that on the day I was born, there were 35 things Americans could do that they are no longer allowed to do in America. Un-freaking-believable!

Moving on ….

Memorial Day - I like this one. This actually has some merit. Thanks to all who served their country. I salute you.

Halloween - I like this one too. Most of the girls where I live dress up rather provocatively on this day. And I like that! Still, another “candy” driven holiday. What’s up with that?
 
Thanksgiving - The day we celebrate how us white folks slaughtered the Natives. I know, that’s not what “we say”, but … it is what we did. But I like this one as well, my Dallas Cowboys play football on this day so that in itself makes it important to me.

Christmas - This one is for the kids in my opinion. Sure, it was meant to celebrate the birth of Christ then exploded into a consumer machine. When you think about it, every holiday is a consumer driven market to some degree. It kind of makes you wonder, doesn’t it?

Then of course there is New Years Eve, the REAL Christmas for adults. (And New Years Day) Where once again, like with so many others, we get to take another day off from work. Well, many do anyway. Those who have jobs, that is.

The more I think about it, the more I am convinced that holidays were created just so we can take extra days off of work and to stuff ourselves and drink and go shopping. In fact, I am quite sure that holidays were designed to get the economy going or to keep it going.

That being said …..

I would like to think my favorite day is my birthday, but it’s just another reminder that I am one year closer to my mortality.

My favorite day of the year? …. It could be a toss up between my parents birthday and the maybe the night they decided to jump in the back seat at the drive-in movie and make a baby ME! LOL Obviously, if they weren’t born, nor would I most likely be here. And obviously, if they didn’t decide to jump in the back seat that night …. well … nuff said.

Then again, the birth of my little sister was one of my happiest days in my life. That and the birth of her son, my little buddy. Those were good days too. And it’s those days that I like to think have become my “holidays” …. Yeah, that works for me.

Meanwhile, I still suck on Valentine’s Day.


Friday, February 10, 2012

Carroll's DVD Reviews #4

Okay everyone, hold onto your hats, we're going cowboy. (Sort of) I have a recommendation here starring Edward Norton, Evan Rachel Wood, and David Morse.

DOWN IN THE VALLEY

 A romance between a teenage girl and a thirty-something drifter takes the young woman down a dangerous and unexpected path in this independent drama. Tobe (Evan Rachel Wood) is a pretty 18-year-old whose father, Wade (David Morse), is the sheriff of a town in California's San Fernando Valley. She gets involved with a drifter named Harlan, played by Edward Norton.

It goes somewhat slow, but it is very intense and somewhat erotic. I think both genders will thoroughly enjoy this film. I got it in the bargain bin for only five dollars. Worth every penny. I give it a solid six stars. Not to mention that I do like Edward Norton films.



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HARD CANDY

Ellen Page leads this small cast in this 2006 release about a teenage girl who agrees to meet a thirtysomething fashion photographer in person after becoming acquainted with him in an online chat room, and the resulting encounter finds the line between predator and prey slipping slowly out of focus in director David Slade's provocative and topical thriller.

While I heard a lot of great things about this film, it did leave me slightly disappointed in the end. It was kind of fun to watch Ellen Page exact some revenge however, it just wasn't quite realistic enough for me. I can't quite put my finger on it. While I love Ellen Page, and the acting was top notch, I have to give ths one a weak five star rating.

I just think it could have been better written.



Okay, see you sometime next week movie goers. That's it for me for now. Don't put too much butter on your popcorn.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Carroll Bryant: Author Interviews

Carroll Bryant: Author Interviews: 30/01/12 Interview with Pearce Hansen: Well, hello everyone. long time to see huh? LOL! Anyways I have a new interview with. .... Pearce Hanson.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

The Beat Vibes

If you like the Beatles, then you might enjoy this group and their music. They are called, The Beat Vibes. Inspird by the works of the Fab Four, The Beat Vibes pick up where The Beatles left off, writing songs in similar fashion. Give them a listen.

http://www.amazon.com/Meet-the-Beats/dp/B0026I3KLK/ref%3dsr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327276271&sr=301-1

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Carroll Bryant's DVD Reviews #3

As crazy as this week has been, I still found time to watch a couple of decent flicks. No point in dragging this intro on so let's jump on the horse and ride it, shall we?

MACHETE

This is a guys movie from start to finish. This movie is stocked piled with some big names. Danny Trejo, Steven Seagal, Michelle Rodriquez, Jessica Alba, Robert DeNiro, and a cameo by Lindsey Lohan.

An ex-federale is set up, double-crossed and left for dead. After being betrayed by by the man who hired him to kill a texas senator, this ex-federale (Machette) launches a brutal rampage of revenge against his former boss.

Warning: This is a "B" movie in my book. Not the best story plot, not very well written, and not even the acting is all that in my opinion. But if you like to watch things blow up, and violence and some nudity, and if you go into this with the frame of mind to not take it so seriously, you just might enjoy it a little. Still, to be completely honest, while i may watch this movie again in like a year or two, I still have to push hard to give it six stars. You would really have to like macho movies to like this one. There were some comical moments, but the trick is not to take it so seriously.


RUNNING SCARED



Another guy flick, but women might enjoy it too. At least they will have Paul Walker to look at. He is the star of this action packed and fast paced film of struggling mod hand, Joey Gazelle, who finds his life turned inside out when a "hot" weapon he's in charge of concealing/disposing goes missing. With two mob families and a team of crooked cops watching his every move, Joey sets out on a chilling and bloody persuit, manuvering his way through a horrific web of creeps and criminals, praying he can retrieve the gun and make it home to his family. It makes Kill Bill look like Sesame Street.

It's pretty good, actually. A lot better than it sounds. I give it a solid 7 1/2 stars.