Moose Movie Minute - "Now You See Me"

It sat on my shelf for almost 2 months, but at last it has reach me eyes and seeped into my brain.  And for me, it was well worth the wait.

I finally watch the film, "Now You See Me" with stars Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco and awesome Morgan Freeman and the equally awesome Michael Caine.  Come on, this movie has God and Batman's Butler, it has to be good right?

All kidding aside (like I could do that), this was a really wonderful movie.  An excellent thriller that keeps you guessing at every turn.  It's this guy, no it's that guy, maybe it's the girl, no it can't be her, or could it?  Just when you think you might know who did it, think again because you're wrong.  There are great special effects in almost every scene and some excellent dialogue between most of the main characters.  Woody and Jesse banter back and for just as well as they did in "Zombieland" (see that too if you haven't)

For a brief synopsis:

"An FBI agent and an Interpol detective track a team of illusionist who pull off bank heists during their performances and reward their audiences with the money" - IMDB

I happened to watch this film on my Vudu digital copy, but I'm sure watching it on Blu-Ray or DVD would be equally good.  I kind of wish that I would've seen this movie in the theater for some of those special-effects scenes mentioned before.   I won't give any spoilers, but just know that there is a warehouse scene later in the movie that is very cool to see.  No matter where or how you watch it, it's a excellent film that I highly recommend.

Have you seen it?  What did you think about it?  Let me know in the comments below.

Moose Movie Minute - "Frozen"

Movie Mondays is now the Moose Movie Minute.  Not specific to a certain day, but now updatable when a good movie is watched.

This one is a little delayed but better late than never.  On 12/3/13, my family and I had the pleasure of seeing the newest installment of the Disney movies, "Frozen".  Loosely based from Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen, this movie has everything you'd want from not only a Disney movie but a Holiday film as well.

Fearless optimist Anna (Kristen Bell) teams up with rugged mountain man Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer Sven in an epic journey, encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf in a race to find Anna's sister Elsa (Idina Menzel), whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. - Written by Walt Disney Animation Studios

It's full of wonderful songs, happy and sad moments, witty and sappy jokes and it even has the traditional happy ending.  It's fun for both adults and kids, and it is an all around fantastic family film.  Though it's made with today's modern computer animation and technology, the film fits almost seamlessly alongside Disney's hand-drawn masterpieces of the '80s and '90s.  As a child who grew up watching these masterpieces, like Beauty & the Beast, Aladdin and The Lion King (just to name a few), it was extremely exciting to see the magic recaptured in classic Disney form.

When the movie ended, I wanted to hear one more song or see one more whimsical story twist.  I wanted the magic and fun to continue.  "Frozen" was/is an absolute delight of a film and a overall reminder of what "Disney Magic" used to be and will be again.

A Videomoose Holiday

No Historical Writings and No Humorous Writings this time.  Just an all resounding shout out to everyone and any one.

Happy Holidays! Be it Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Christmas, may your holiday season be happy and bright and full of family, friendship, and love!!

Humorous & Historical Dropping - So You Want to Flunk Out of College

Something I read back in College that I still find hilarious now...

So You Want to Flunk Out of College - By: Triena Milden

          This selection is Triena Milden's tongue-in-check response to an English assignment that required her to explain various rules or procedures that first-year students might follow to be successful in college.  Milden saw this as an opportunity to create a "teaching tool" for herself and her classmates.  However, she knew that no one would take her advice if she treated the subject seriously and began "preaching."  That's why she decided on an ironic approach.  "I thought about all the things I'd have to do to get good grades," explained Milden, "and then I simply reversed them."

           Flunking out of college is a relatively easy task.  It requires little effort and might even be considered fun.  Though it is hard to imagine why anyone would purposely try to flunk out of college, many people accomplish this task easily.  In fact, whatever the reason one might want to flunk out of college, the process is quite simple.

           First, do not show up for classes very often.  It is important, however, to show up occasionally to find out when tests will be scheduled; the importance of this will become apparent later in this essay.

           When in class, never raise your hand to ask questions and never volunteer any answers to the teacher's questions.  It the teacher calls on you, either answer incorrectly or say "I don't know."  Be sure your tone of voice conveys your lack of interest.

           Another thing to avoid is homework.  There are two reasons for this.  First and most important, completing homework assignments only reinforces information learned earlier, thereby contributing to higher test scores.  Second, although teachers credit homework as only part of the total grade, every little bit of credit hurts.  Therefore, make sure that the teacher is aware that you are not doing your homework.  You can do so by making certain that the teacher sees you writing down the answers as the homework is discussed in class.

           The next area, tests, can be handled in two ways.  They can either not be taken, or they can be failed.  If you do not take them, you run the risk of receiving an "incomplete" rather than a failing grade.  In order to flunk out of college, failing grades are preferable.  Therefore, make sure to take and fail all exams.  Incidentally, this is where attendance and homework can really affect performance.  Attending class and doing homework regularly can be detrimental to obtaining poor test scores.

           Since you won't know the correct answers to test questions, make sure to choose those that are as absurd as possible without being obvious.  Even if you guess a few correctly, your overall grade will be an F as long as the majority of the answers are wrong.  By the way, one sure way to receive that cherished zero is to be caught cheating; all teachers promise a zero for this.

           The same ideas pertain to any reports or term papers that you are assigned.  If you fail to turn them in, you might get an "incomplete."  Therefore, it is important to hand in all papers, especially if they are poorly written.  Make sure to use poor organization, to present information in a confused manner, and to write on the wrong topic whenever you can.  The paper should be handwritten, not typed, and barely legible.  Misspellings should be plentiful and as noticeable as possible.  Smudged ink or dirty pages add a nice touch to the finished product.  Finally, try to get caught plagiarizing.

            By following these few simple suggestions, you will be assured of a failing grade.  Try not to make it too obvious that your purpose is to fail.  However, it a teacher shows concern and offers help, be sure to exhibit a poor attitude as you refuse.  Should you decide to put the extra effort into failing you may even finish at the bottom of the class.  Someone has to finish last.  Why not you?

As someone who messed up the old college try his first time around but went back and succeeded later, I found this motivating to actually try my best in every class and every project.  Interesting how something explaining how to fail can help you succeed.

Has you see or read anything that motivated you to do the exact opposite of what it was promoting?  Let me know in the comments below.

Humorous Writings - What My Mother Taught Me

This one is for my mother...

1.  My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."

2. My mother taught me RELIGION.
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

3.  My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"

4. My mother taught me LOGIC.
“Because I said so, that's why."

5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."

6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."

7. My mother taught me IRONY.
"Keep crying and I'll give you something to cry about."

8.  My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."

9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck?"

10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."

11.  My mother taught me about WEATHER.
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."

12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
"If I told you once, I’ve told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"

13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out...”

14... My mother  taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION .
"Stop acting like your father!"

15. My mother taught me about ENVY.
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."

16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
"Just wait until we get home."

17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING.
"You are going to get it when you get home!"

18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way."

19. My mother taught me ESP.
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"

20.  My mother taught me HUMOR.
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don’t come running to me."

21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
"If you don’t eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."

22. My mother taught me GENETICS.
"You're just like your father...”

23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
"Shut that door behind you.  Do you think you were born in a barn?"

24. My mother taught me WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."

25.  My mother taught me about JUSTICE.
"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!”

This was given to me in an email, but is too funny not to share!  These are the kind of things I wish I could take credit for writing myself, but sadly can not.  But enjoy it anyway.

What kind of things did your mother teach you...(funny or otherwise)?

Historical Droppings - The Power of Two

That right!  I have written poetry in my past (big whoop...wanna fight about it).  Good or bad it was written many years ago.  Good or bad I am posting it here now.

The Power of Two

Age is a difference

Be it large or small

It doesn’t even matter

If you’re young or old

Two people find each other

Singles now two

Bound by friendship

Love and trust

How a couple feels

Is all that matters in their world

The strength of that couple

The power of their relationship

Each have faults

Each have vices

Things they love

Things they hate

Similarities and opposites

Each and all attract

Together they grow

It’s all in the power of two

Ever written poetry before?  Look back at what you wrote and let me know what you think.

Humorous Droppings - Beer Philosophy 101

A long time ago, I received this in an email (it's not of my own creation) and it's something that has really stuck with me.  It's part humor and part life lesson and what's funnier than life.

Beer Philosophy 101

A philosophy professor stood before his class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks about 2" in diameter.  He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks.  He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.  He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous - yes.

The professor then produced two cans of beer from under the table and proceeded to pour their entire contents into the jar - effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things - your family, your partner, your health, your children - things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, your car. The sand is everything else. The small stuff.

“If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, “there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.”

“Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal. Take care of the rocks first-the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the beer represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of beers."

It's similar to the "Don't Sweet the Small Stuff" mentality, but with it's own humorous twists and additions.  For me, my wife and kids are my rocks and I can't imagine life without them.  Do you live by any life philosophies?  If so, which ones?

PS: Also, I know everyone doesn't like beer but you can use whatever beverage of choice you choose (either alcoholic or non).

Historical Droppings: "To The Ropes" - Reposted After 10 Years

Over 10 years ago, I had hit rock bottom in my life.  I lost my job, my apartment and my car all within a week's time.  Luckily I was able to find a safe residence with my brother, but I felt as low as I could get.  I spent the next several months getting my feet back underneath me again.

One night (I don't remember the exact date anymore), I woke at 3-4 AM and just felt like writing.  The below text is the result of the late night brain dump (I apologize in advance for the bad grammar and/or spelling but I am posting as it was originally created).

                                                               To The Ropes

               I remember once hearing someone say, ‘A person is only as wealthy as the friends they keep.’  I’m not really sure where I heard it or even who said it, but it was one of those quotes that really stuck with me over the years.  And it made me consider some things.  How does a person really get through life alone?  How can one person actually do everything by himself or herself?  I looked at these ideas, these concepts on life and then I looked back at that one quote.  That one quote told to me many unknown years ago and I began to realize something.

                At one point in my life I believed that I had hit rock bottom, the bottom of the barrel, etc.  I had dug my hole and now all I could do was sit at the bottom and stare up at the top thinking it was to far away for me to ever get out again.  I had lost it all, my car, my home, my job  . . . you name it, I seemed to have lost it.  I thought everything was hopeless and that there was nothing I could ever do to help myself.  Until I began to look around and in this giant hole that I had dug for myself I began to see ropes.  These ropes, which lead the way out, had been there the entire time.  I was just to busy creating more problems for myself, and digging my hole deeper and deeper, that I never noticed them before.

                 It took a little time but I began to realize that there was help, friends and family, at the other end of these ropes.  Trying to help me, by bringing me out of this hole I was digging.  So eventually I turned to the ropes.  I started to use them to bring myself to the surface.  Unfortunately the problem soon came that I wasn’t going anywhere.  I had finally seen these ropes and was now trying to take the help they provided, but I realized all I had accomplished was that I was hanging there or pulling the ropes down with me.  So I let go, and fell back into the darkness I had created.  With letting go several ropes disappeared.  Retreated out into the open.  Yet, a few remained.  Some select ropes remained to assist me in getting me out of trouble.

However I didn’t grab the ropes right away this time.  I sat there for a while.  Looking at the ropes and the journey they would take me on.  Then I looked at my hole, my dark cavern of trouble.  I gazed at all the work I had done over the years and I decided it wasn’t worth it.  I didn’t like what I created and wanted out.  Yet, I was afraid of the ropes.  They weren’t able to pull me out before, how were they going to pull me out now.  For that reason, I sat there a little longer, staring at those ropes that lead to the light at the top.  Then I realized what I had done wrong with the ropes the first time.  I had expected the ropes to pull me out while all along they were actually there to assist me in climbing out myself.

                Now, I’ve never been a good rope climber.  It had always been a lot of work I never wanted to deal with.  Nevertheless, this hole was no longer a welcome place for me.  Even though digging seemed to be easier, I decided to break the shovel.  And instead of hoping the ropes pulled me out, I began to climb out of the cavern I created.

                With the assistance of the ropes, my friends and family members, I’m climbing out of the hole and began ‘to see the light’, so to speak.  I began to see the wealth I truly had and the world around me in a way I hadn’t before.  Because of all the ropes assistance I got myself free of the cavern I was lost in.

                Some I’ve talked to say that ropes are a hindrance in life, restraints that prevented them from going anywhere.  I found out for myself that ropes are only obstacles if you make them that way.  If a person uses the ropes properly than they can go up and far in their life.  Out of the darkness and into the light.  If the ropes are used improperly than down is the only other way to go.

                So, this is my thank you to those ropes.  Because of them I was able to save myself instead of waiting for someone to save me.  It was a lot of hard work, but the results were far more greater in value that doing nothing.  I like to think the ropes helped save my life.  And for saving my life I will always be eternally grateful.

I wasn't then and am not not now much of a writer, but the overall meaning of what I wrote hit home with me in a very big way.  Today I'm very happily married with 2 fantastic children.  I have a job I love, a roof over my head and a vehicle that runs (and runs well).  The thing about hitting the bottom, there is no where to go but up, you just have to be willing to climb.

What do you think?  Ever brain dumped at the early hours and looked at it later with pride or disgust?

Movie Monday! #1 - Star Trek Into Darkness

As an attempt to give this blog a little bit of structure on a weekly basis, I've decided to have a film entry at least once a week.  I'm going to talk about movies in this thing anyways, why not dedicate a entry to it.  I might think of a better name in the future but for now, we'll just call it Movie Mondays!

As the first entry of M&M, let's start with a blockbuster.  It was to my greatest pleasure that my wife and I got to go out on a Thursday night and see a movie (with 2 little ones the freedom is limited).  Since we both agree paying $9 for a movie is kind of crazy, we decided to hit the dollar theater and pay $1.75 instead.  This theater has the popular (and not so popular) blockbusters, but they are all movies on their last leg before their DVD/Blu-Ray release.  Since it was there, Star Trek Into Darkness was a no brainer for us to see.  We highly enjoyed the first one and with the addition of Benedict Cumberbatch into the cast, we didn't want to miss this one.  

Again lead by the directing and writing team of JJ Abrams and Damon Lindeloff, Star Trek Into Darkness is a great movie.  I've heard it said that these new Star Trek movies could be considered fan fiction with a multi-million dollar budget!  For Abrams it isn't (he grew up with Star Wars - a 3rd trilogy coming soon) but for Lindeloff (and the other writers) it is.  In the 2009 release, Kirk, Spock and the rest of the Enterpirse crew received a time-travel twist that allowed both original and new to coexist.  This makes the work faithful to the past and heaped full of references from older versions, but with a completely different storyline.

Star Trek Into Darkness opens with a big sequence to reinforce the relationship between Kirk (with his cockiness and willingness to challenge the rules) and Spock (with his icy intellect and his need to stick to the Starfleet play book).  And that relationship between Kirk & Spock is tested throughout the movie which has all the original cast back, Chris Pine (Kirk), Zachary Quinto (Spock), Zoe Saldana (Uhura), Karl Urban (McCoy), John Cho (Sulu), Anton Yelchin (Chekov), and the always great Simon Pegg (Scotty).  Plus we get the addition of Alice Eve, Peter Weller (best known as Robocop) and of course Cumberbatch.

The best part of this movie is Cumberbatch, with his stony stare and rumbling voice (much like his role as "Sherlock"), he is fearsome, relentless and a one-man army of awesome.  If you've seen the first of this reboot and enjoyed it, definitely catch this one.  If your still hesitant with this new view on an old classic, give in to the greatness and enjoy it with the rest of us.

Did you see it yet?  Let me know what you thought about it (either pro or Khan!!!!).

Disney's Cars in the Sky!

I went, I saw, I enjoyed it very much.

Recently took my son to see "Planes" (Mommy was invited too) at our local Movie Tavern.  As a major "Cars" and "Cars 2" fan, this was a natural choice for my son to see on the big screen.  And as an almost 3 year old (only days away from a birthday) he sat nicely and watched the entire film politely.  But this post is not about him, it's about the movie.

It's a worthy spin off.  I'll admit that I was hesitant when I heard that Dane Cook was going to be the lead voice, but he did a good job.  This is an excellent voice cast with the likes of Stacy Keach, Brad Garrett, Teri Hatcher, John Cleese and even Anthony Edwards and Val Kilmer (in what I would say are great animated "cameos").  And for those that are Pixar enthusiasts, John Ratzenberger does have his part, but you'll have to find out for yourself who he is.

If you like the Cars movies, then most likely you'll like this one, but I won't be the critic that judges it for you.  It's a good animated feature film that will find it's way onto my shelf at some point.  There are funny lines and funny moments.  There are both interesting and uninteresting characters.  But one thing is for sure, kids will enjoy this movie and so will many adults too (ok that's really two things). 

Sure the Cars movies drive me nuts when my son wants to watch them on a daily basis, over and over again, but in general they are good movies that are fun to watch.  I myself look forward to many more sequels, spin-offs and shorts made in the world of Cars & Planes.

Have you seen it, going to see it, or have no interest what so ever in seeing it?  Leave a comment and let me know.

Oh...Despicable Me

Ok, so I'm a little tardy on this post, but I have a note from my extremely busy schedule.

So, my wife and I took our almost 3 year old son to see Despicable Me 2 this past Saturday.  I wasn't too excited when the first movie came out but having watched it numerous times, it's been a movie that I've really grown to enjoy. So a sequel is definitely something I wanted to see.  Plus, with a 3 year old, something new is always a plus.  You can only watch certain Disney movies (that shall remain unnamed for their protection) so many times before you want to chuck the DVD (and/or Blu-Ray) into the nearest shredder.  *In best PSA voice* We must protect others from the torture of repetitive viewing.  Be Kind and Hide Your Discs.

Anyway, back to DM2.  I don't want to get bombarded by pissed off blog readers because I posted a bunch of spoilers.  God knows, there's not enough of that on the Internet.  So I'll try my best to avoid them.  I would say that this is a movie worthy of the original.  Steve Carell returns a Gru and is as funny as ever!  Kristin Wiig, who is Hilarious!, plays second fiddle very well (did you know she had a part in the first one, look it up [www.imdb.com]).  Also, a lot of the others in the original voice cast are back, including Russell Brand and Miranda Cosgrove.  Plus some great additions like Steve Cogan and a surprisingly hilarious role by Benjamin Bratt!

If you liked the first, you'll highly enjoy the 2nd and I hope they release a third.  A good trilogy is always appreciated.  I'd definitely see a 3rd, and maybe even in the theater (which I wish I did more of).

The first sign of droppings

Like every other person in this world, I have tons of thoughts.  Some of them are good, some of them are bad and a lot of them should not be shared with the general public (I'll keep those to myself).  However, I do feel I have an opinion that is worth sharing with those who would like to read it.  Hopefully this blog and my brain spillings into it will be enjoyable, and maybe to even some readers it could be helpful.

I'll post things like my opinions of movies I happen to see, books it took me forever to read or no time at all to finish, or maybe even talk about the newest musical artist that enticing the nation's listeners (or at least my daughter's ears).  Anything and everything is fair game for this blog and very well could be discussed.

Sure there are a lot of opinions our there (the internet is full of them both positive and negative), so the question stands, why am I adding mine to the mix?  The simplest answer is because I can.  I may not like the same things other people do but what I'm going to try to do differently is give my thoughts on the topic, not critic the topic itself.

I welcome readers questions, comments or, if you're a Nerdist podcast fan like myself, leave a quemment. I'm looking forward to trying out this whole blog process and appreciate feedback.