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.