The Runaway Found

Quote of The Post: "It's easy to cry for love, far harder to try."
It's like there's something going on, something not quite right. And the easier solution is simply to let love go than to work at it to see if there is any possible way to keep it afloat. In any case, love, the fairytale that it is, works out only for those in positions of fairytale royalty - the princes and princesses, the kings and queens. The occasional street rat makes it through. So you'd be hard pressed to succeed in making it work because when it comes to love, not everyone can be royal (not to be confused with loyal, which everyone can be, just many seem not to want to be it).

Movie of The Post: Drive
You need to know nothing about this movie before going in other than that it stars Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan and Bryan Cranston amongst others, and is about a guy who can drive well.
The music was refreshingly different from what I'd expect in  such a film. Good acting too. It's worthy of its R18 tag for sure, and was one hell of an enjoyable movie. Can't wait to see it again so it can climb further up my film ranks. It's my favourite film of the year (though I've only seen about 7 new movies, it still counts!)

Song of The Post: Shaman's Blues - The Doors
I heard this song away from my own music collection over the weekend and thus it is now being transferred to the blog. This was one of the first Doors' songs that I really got into. It's pretty damn good, and I think that you should think the same. Or else ...

Nothing Is Sound

As it has unfortunately turned out, Namibia have not proven quite as successful as I would have hoped of them. I watched each of their games on the edge of my seat hoping for any good news to come my way. Very little did.

This left me quite distraught - I couldn't look anyone in the eyes for three days after their last game. It was the final nail in the coffin of both theirs, and my own, World Cup Dream.

But like a phoenix from the ashes (or like other celebrity status religious figures) I have risen from the depths of my own despair, disappointment and dissentry. I have become stronger than I ever was before. Or perhaps stranger? Either way, I have found a way forward in this greatly troubled time.

Once more, I know you look to me for guidance and support for my own greatness shall forever surpass that of your own. No need to be humble when you're dealing with the truth. Elementary, my dear Watson, elementary.

The solution to the continued support of a single nation in this World Cup of the game of Rugby came to me like a thief in the night. The logical follow up team to support is none other than Ireland!

If Ireland! are to fail in their well supported endeavour to win this tournament, then I am of the belief that it is time to abdicate, support no-one and be a grumpy old bastard for a week. If the Finals is yet to be played at that point, the supporting choice is yours. If the Finals have already been played, well, the point is moot.

Ireland! Ireland!
We trust in you!
Ireland! Ireland!
Yes we do!

Ireland! Ireland!
You are burly!
Ireland! Ireland!
The other teams are girly!

Ireland! Ireland!
Don't fuck it up!
Ireland! Ireland!
You must win the cup!

Journal For Plague Lovers

Namibia, stand strong! I will not abandon you!!!

Quote of The Post: "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing, especially when you have nowhere to put it."
What makes this true is that when you have no place to put your newfound knowledge, you will inevitably squeeze some old, possibly vital knowledge out. Sure, you may discover an energy efficient way to recreate Vegas in your back yard but you lost your ability to spell. You don't understand why no-one is interested in your "Knackbird Wategass" attraction. Sad, innit? Or maybe the danger lies more in how your remaining knowledge interacts with the newly acquired knowledge. You only retain your knowledge of your former best friend chatting up your missus, while your new knowledge is simply how to change a tire using only strong couple forces and your bare hands. Not a good combination if you catch my drift. Well... not for the former friend anyway, mwahahahahahahaha.

Movie of The Post: Dark City
This film isn't for everyone, that much is certain. Sure, it does look a little "dated" as someone may have said, but it suits. In my opinion, everything about this movie is exactly the way that it is meant to be. It looks a little dodgy, sounds a little dodgy, is a little dodgy. But this dodgy b-grade looking movie gives an outstanding A+ grade entertainment level. The sets looks awesome, the story is intriguing and I love this movie. If you stumble across this, don't pass it by. It might pleasantly surprise you as it did me when I first saw it a few years ago.

Song of The Post: Sleazy Bed Track - The Bluetones
The song isn't so much sleazy as it is hopeful for a little some-some. You get that, huh? Hahaha, I'll bet you do.

Dark Horse

On the cusp of a local sporting event, it seems to me that a rather lot of this nation have gone quite mad indeed. Bombarded from every angle, with no sign of retreat, I can only hope that I shall not be dead following the festivities. This battery, I cannot take. This pain, my bones shall break. My dinner, I think it may be steak. But that's not relevant right now.

What is relevant is the scariness of the group think that the Rugby World Cup (can I say that? Legally? Well I am saying it!) has brought up. Everyone has been throwing flags up in support of their designated nation. Tonga seem to be Very popularly represented where I am. On the interwebs, New Zealand, followed by South Africa are the most favoured teams.

I for one choose not to be so roundabout in terms of fan support. No way. I won't stand for all this sporting hipster nonsense by joining in supporting such a small known rugby team! I can't possibly abide by it, I think I would die of sheer embarrassment!

The solution? Choose a side that I know will dominate. The side that no one will be surprised about when they take out all who stand in their path. The team that makes other nations quiver in their wee little booties just at the thought of them. I am, of course, speaking about the only truly great nation at this tournament.

The one.
The only.

Namibia
Of course, you'll understand when I say with confidence that these are the guys to lift the trophy. I have no doubt in my mind. When they stand on the podium, trophy aloft, I will be there, proud, ecstatic and utterly unsurprised at the dominance that they will have shown throughout the tournament.

Namibia, you beautifully powerful rugby nation you, bring home the gold. For the children!!!

Troubles Of The Brain

You could say that nothing here is real. Mere pixels in an electronic print forming shapes we learn from young. We don’t know anything. We try to understand our world and what it holds. We try to the best of our ability. Rather, the best of our best’s ability.

No one person can be guaranteed a life of influence, intelligence and greatness. No one is guaranteed happiness, love, success or anything that we commonly strive for. We’re born, we’re educated, we struggle for some modicum of success. Sure, some people will make it but in the end we all finish in the same place: the Land of the Dead. You then find yourself in the Dead Lands and no one knows what’s happening there. Save the speculation for later. We’re living the rat race.

Our lives are a constant maelstrom of decisions made, decisions pending and the ripple effects that each choice causes. Our actions and reactions in any given circumstance don’t make us who we are but rather clarify who we’ve always been. The only thing that changes is prior experience. Had we known subject X prior to making decision H rather than afterwards, then we would have made the same decision we thought we ought to once we knew X and used that beautiful thing called hindsight. And so we don’t change. We merely clarify our own decision sets and the path we’ve set ourselves on.

That leaves us living our lives with obstacles placed at various and inconsistent points, testing us in ways we’d rather not be tested. We “pass”, we “fail”. We do anything that has been labelled for us long before we ever had to be placed in any such categories. We accumulate and lose memories. Things we like to remember, things we want to forget, things we cannot possibly suppress. And just like our imperfect lives, our memories aren’t faithful to us either. They’re coloured by our desires, whether they have positive, negative or neutral associations. You can’t trust your own mind. You can’t trust yourself. You can’t trust your life. Your life doesn’t trust you.

To dust you shall return after it’s all said and done. You’re gone in the blink of an eye and your ripples are little more than a grain of sand falling into the vastness of a great ocean. You could say that nothing here is real.

Electro-Shock Blues

This is me declaring my livingness. Yes. I'm alive. Not really kicking though. It's not nice to kick. So I'd rather avoid that particular action.

You see all those things on Facebook, those odd comments that you can like? I think they're groups or pages or something. I'm not particularly good with the terminology (bet you couldn't tell! Hah!) Well, there was one about sitting at home, crying to Adele. Well, I'm sitting at home, almost in tears, and most definitely listening to Adele. The words... the words are just so, so beautiful. B-e-a-utiful.

With that confession out of the way, I can move on. It was really eating me up inside. Adele just makes you wanna cry, don't you think? Especially that second album. Not so much the first. I feel like I've said too much...

So I was saving a stranded family in the Sahara just last week from both the heat and circling vultures, when out of nowhere, BAM! Velociraptors everywhere! So there I was, hauling this family of 3 from sand dune to sand dune, often creating temporary caves within the dunes for them to hide in while I whipped my hair back and forth and showed every single one of those velociraptors just how hot the desert could get with me in it. Flames flying from my very fingertips, my pores leaking raw heat and strength, the velociraptors were done for. They taste quite like a mix between chupacabra and nundu, actually.

Manliness re-affirmed. Success is mine!
On my quieter days I go fishing for Gyarados. Just saying.

I need to say something deep for this to have been worth your while. Hurrm.
So, there was a family business and th- okay. I've just been informed that I'm not allowed to repeat that. But I'm telling you, Freud would have been proud. Damn proud!

I guess it just speaks of a lack of faith and trust in me from the rest of society. As per usual, ha.

Lost Horizons

You there. Breathing is mainstream. Hipsters still do it (for a while). My blog is not mainstream. Making each of you a hipster. Damn straight. (Breathe!)

Quote of The Post: "When you choose one way out of many, all the ways you don't take are snuffed out like candles, as if they'd never existed."
What I like about this idea is that it's only true for any one given reality. Say you had two choices; A and B. You choose A after much consideration and continue your life with the consequences of that choice. You reach another crossroads and must choose between C and D. You choose D. Now your life has followed the path of A and D. But what if when you decided to choose A, a new reality on a parallel path to your own was created in which the Alternate You chose B? Sure, it may have been a small change, but imagine the different consequences of that option that the Alternate You is now going to be facing. What if something similar occurs at every point in your life? How many Alternate versions of yourself are running around leading a different life because of the choices they've made? Or the choices that those around them have made?
So maybe for us, once an action is taken the paths are snuffed out like candles. However in making those choices we are creating parallel paths of infinite possibilities.

Movie of The Post: (500) Days of Summer
I guess I like this movie for multiple reasons. The story itself, how everything is treated, the out of order chronology, the music, the love below, haha. This is not a love story, don't get confused about that. Nonetheless, it is a film that I love, and it's quite different from all the others that I love this much. That means I have depth. *Wink wink nudge nudge.
So, if you're in need of a good movie featuring two lovely leads (Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel), a Not-Love Story plot, and something that could as easily make you laugh as it made me cry (-wait, what?!?) try this one on for size.

Song of The Post: Girl And The Sea - The Presets
It's got synths! Just listen to it! The vid's pretty cool, but you'll probably have to turn the volume up to hear the song well. And you may need a lyrics page to hear what exactly is being sung, but don't let that turn you off. This is a good song. Take my word for it. If you don't like it, decide so after you've listened to it, y'hear?

The Fiction We Live

This is it. The final week before the relative torture recommences for yet another 14 weeks. And I'm sure it will be a wondrous 14 weeks of pure, delicious, unadulterated torture. Om nom nom.

It saddens me that good weather does not occur whenever I have a holiday. I like good, sunny, warm weather. Not windy, grey and cold with splashes of showers here and there. Not at all. Go away crappy weather, go away. I've got a notion that I'm not a fan of yours.

Also it saddens me that in the event of a good holiday that time does not work in a stasis such that it doesn't end. I guess that is just life. All good things come to an end. Bad things tend to drag on a bit though, huh?

Not sure where this was going, haha. Okay. Refocus, regather, repartee. Minus the wittiness.
The Facts: Holidays have been had, holidays are coming to an end. I've busied myself with music re-organisation (do you have any idea how messy my music directories are? Well, do you?) and the occasional movies (not always good - Cheri, anyone? Sheesh.). Other than that, nothing. Except a creeping sense of nervousness, as per usual.

Because Of The Times

I'm alive! And procrastinating. I still have at least one exam to go. This month of terror and agony (T&A, haha) is not yet over. I've attempted multiple exams so far, only one of which made me feel like I was in the wrong room. Actually, until about 5 minutes before the exam I was in the wrong room. I was even in the wrong building entirely.

That wasn't funny. I realised something was up when I couldn't find people or the lecture room with the description I was told to look out for. I was worried, naturally. But all's well that ends well, and it ended in me finding the exam room. I had help. Thank you little birdy in my cell phone!

Also, you are all reading this in English, so you surely have noticed my inability to use apostrophes correctly? I submitted just two essays this semester to the Faculty of Arts, and I can guarantee you that both essays remarked on my bad apostrophe usage. I felt so ashamed. Now, I feel revitalised and ready to look down on the Arts Faculty from my High and Mighty Business School position. That's right. The building that looks like it's goddamn spaceship from Outta Space!

Hah. You seem bored. Of course you are. But right now, I'm well aware that you've just read this. Mwahahahaha. The Evil Laugh. I just did one. I also did an Evil Shart once. Let me tell you, it's much more effective if you make someone else Shart from your Evilness, than to Shart yourself. Unless you have Shaki coloured pants on. Then you might be able to get away with it. And if you have those pants, tell me where you got them from, I NEED them! I have a serious problem ...

You there. You have any hopes and dreams?
No: Get some.
Yes: Hold on to them, and if they need to change, make the correct adjustments, and hold on to your revisions. If you don't work for something, you're wasting your time.

I'm in the "Get some" category at the moment, just in case anyone's interested.
For the rest of you dreamers, dream on!

Abstract Theory

Quote of The Post: "In my experience, the prettier a girl is, the more nuts she is, which makes you insane."
Dem crazy girls be crazy! But dayum, dey's lookin' gooood. I guess I don't have anything intelligent to say at this juncture. Bitches be crazy?
In related news, a local man was found beaten and bloodied today outside his house. Neighbours say they became aware of the situation when they heard heard high pitched screams and squeels. It is believed that this was the victim, who when found could only say "They're so crazy! So crazy... please, women, no! No! NOOOOOOO!" His neighbour, Susie Watson, says that she was disturbed by his unusual behaviour, and hurt by his apparant fear of her, as they'd always been on good terms with each other.

I must apologise for the naughty words in this segment - never call a bitch "crazy". It's not nice. That bitch deserves proper respect, now lay it on me, Miss Franklin!

Movie of The Post: Layer Cake
Ahh yes, a British crime movie. Starring Daniel Craig, Tom Hardy, Sienna Miller and other Famous People. It's got good pace, but not ridiculous pace (RocknRolla), and it has a fantastic ending. It's just so wonderful. The accents are not difficult to navigate, even if you're used to Americans in your television. There's no real issue there. It's enjoyable, fun, tense, smart and a very good film all round. See it, or the Cake will get you. Actually, that's a lie.

Song of The Post: The Two Sides of Monsieur Valentine - Spoon
I've been listening to this album on the y-tube for a while now. And it's getting better and better in my humble opinion. So, due to my great enjoyment of this band, I share with you this song, which references Gemini, the French and cupid (in contemporary terms) all in its title alone.

Rust Never Sleeps

Season's greetings! Tis the season for great folly, la la la la la, la la la la!
Folly, not to be confused with foal. Or lolly. Or even Holly. She mightn't appreciate that ('great' compliment aside).

Quote of The Post: "There's no good in looking back on yesterday and wondering what could have happened then."
Why is that, I hear you ask. Simply put, because out of all the possibilities that could have happened yesterday, only the one truth occurred. There is absolutely no point thinking about how things could have gone differently - if you'd said something else, said nothing, said the same thing in a different way, or done something different. You didn't do anything different to how you did it, neither did anyone else, and no one reacted to those (in)actions and (un)spoken words in a way that differed from reality. It's history. And unless you have a trusty hot tub lying around just waiting for you to turn back the clock, it's gonna stay history. Also, have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect? Yeah. Don't mess with time. You might end up your own grandfather.

Movie of The Post: Moon
Yes, it's called "Moon", and technically counts as science fiction, but if you're the type that thinks Sci-Fi = dumb aliens, spaceships, Sigourney Weaver, laser beams, cheap sound effects and don't like any of that, then this is the science fiction movie for you! I like to think it transcends its genre and rises to be an all-round great, entertaining, and somewhat thought-provoking flick. It's not an action movie. You won't get a rush from explosions from this baby, but it sure can make your heart race. If you let it in to your heart, then you can start to like it better.

Song of The Post: Not Ready Yet - Eels
Eels are more famous for their contributions to the Shrek soundtracks than they are for this song specifically. Which I think in a way is fantastic. Because it leads people like me, who enjoyed their Shrek contributions to search for more of their stuff. And I was rewarded greatly by loving this song. Now, I present it to you, to cherish forever and ever also forever.

No Need To Argue

I don't have much time! The barred windows and the doors aren't going to hold much longer! I don't have pepper spray or a bat or anything that could possibly help! I don't even have a cat to throw at them! Oh god! Please remember me as a decent person and not just as som- aaaaaaargh! Back off! NOOOOOOO- *gurgles painfully.


"Brains? Brains! Braaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiinss!"
"Brians?"
"BRAAAAIIINS!!"

This Is War

Quote of The Post: "It's only after we've lost everything that we're free to do anything."
This applies on the basis that if you've lost everything, you can't possibly lose anything more no matter what actions you take. So, it doesn't matter what you do from that point on. Maybe then you'll be able to start living. But let's be honest, you don't want to lose everything before trying something new. You really should take risks while you still have something to lose, because if it pays off, the return will be greater. If your gamble comes off bad, you can handle it with aplomb and maybe the effects won't be so bad. The choice is yours.

Movie of The Post: Adventureland
It took me three attempts to actually watch this movie in its entirety, but I think it was worth it. I quite enjoyed this movie. Funny in parts, serious in others, drama and romance. No explosions in this one though. It's one of those movies that Kristen Stewart shows she can actually act. Unlike in her most famous movies. But thats not the point. This may be your cup of tea. Try it before you fry it.

Song of The Post: She's Not There - Santana
Classic Santana. This guy and his band make beautiful music. You probably do know this song, even if you don't think you do. So listen to it just to test my theory out, haha.

Making Movies

Happy 50th Post! Thats right! You, right now, are reading the words that make up the content of the 50th post of this very blog!
And in celebration of this mighty 50th post, occurring approximitely 829 days after the first post, I will present to you my First Revision to my Favourite Movies of the period 2000-2009.
The original list I made contained just 10 movies, and was posted under the title "The Confessor" in December 2009 if you are interested in it.
Some of those movies make this list. Some not.

My Top 20 Movies of The 2000s, First Revision (it has to be somewhat official sounding, right?)

(500) Days of Summer
25th Hour
Atonement
Blood Diamond
Children of Men
The Departed
District 9
Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind
Gone Baby Gone
The Illusionist
In Bruges
Inglourious Basterds
Let The Right One In
Memento
Moon
Pan's Labyrinth
The Pianist
The Prestige
Revolutionary Road
Sin City

If you've not seen some of these films, see them. You may just enjoy them at least as much as I did. I haven't seen every movie from the 2000s, so this list is not complete. This is my excuse for giving you a Second Revision at some indeterminate time in the future.
Also, there are some highly acclaimed films that I've seen that I didn't enjoy as much as these, and so aren't on my list. These are favourites, not my proclamation of the best. Keep your knickers out of a twist.

Stats:
3 Leonardo DiCaprio movies (Blood Diamond, The Departed and Revolutionary Road)
2 Edward Norton movies (25th Hour, The Illusionist)
2 Chris Nolan flicks (Memento, The Prestige)
And 20 Awesome Movies in Total.

According to IMDB:
3 Most Voted - Memento, The Departed and Sin City.
3 Least Voted - Revolutionary Road, 25th Hour and Gone Baby Gone.

And remember that IMDB knows all, and thus is the go to page for opinions. Especially for opinions.
On that note, I bid you good video viewing and goodbye.

Songs For You, Truths For Me

Tomorrow may just be cancelled. Due to lack of interest that is. But with the world ending and dead aliens being found in Siberia (I'd be more worried about illegal aliens in my own country, thank you very much!) I'd say tomorrow's cancellation is of little consequence.

Quote of The Post: "The truth shall set you free."
Well goddammit! What if I don't want to be set free?! I guess that's something the truth itself has no care for. Damn truth and all it beholds. Then again, I am a firm believer in truthfulness. I guess that means I want the truth regardless of whether or not I think I'll like it. And because I am human, I acknowledge a fault in myself whereby I expect everybody else to be the same. You've had fair warning. Now beat it. Get outta here. Scram!

Movie of The Post: The Pianist
Another WWII movie, yes. But for a change, one I found to be incredibly good. In fact there is only one thing I have against this film and that is its director. Other than that, really, I don't have much to complain about. If you haven't seen it, see it. There is no "but" in this conversation.

Song of The Post: Miserabile Visu (Ex Malo Bonum) - Anberlin
I absolutely love the sound of this song right up until it builds up musically. I love the sparse sound of the instrumentation. Nice song. No need to worry about all the religious references, because as a song taken aside from religion, it's good. Not everything needs to be dissected and poured over or hated due to its source. Appreciate the song itself, if you do like it. If not, well, don't, haha.



P.S. I noticed The Chain video was no longer working so I've replaced it. I will continue to replace broken linked videos until such a time it becomes too time consuming or boring.

Diamonds And Rust

I don't suppose you remember my "lost post" that was hiding in my blog drafts for just shy of 2 years before I rediscovered it and posted it on February 18? The one where I mentioned "Sea Haven" and how I had no idea what it meant? I've discovered what I meant.

"Sea Haven" is the place of residence of one Truman Burbank. A.K.A Jim Carrey in The Truman Show. Which means that I was under the impression that I was Truman. Come to think of it, I still do. You exist solely for my entertainment and torture. But that's beside the point. The point is, we no longer have to suffer sleepless nights trying to work out what it was that I meant by the words originally written in March of 2009.

Quote of The Post: "Trying to forget someone you love is like trying to remember someone you never met. Impossible."
I don't think it's impossible. Just unlikely. If you suffered a form of amnesia or something similar you could forget just about anything. I'm not advocating forced amnesia (Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind is exactly why). Regardless of circumstances, you shouldn't want to forget. Loving another is about the best thing you could ever do (owning a Porsche Carrera GT excluded).

Movie of The Post: The Sound of Music
The hiiiiiiills are alive... Oh. You're listening. I figured a musical would be a nice change of pace for my movie selection up for grabs here. And honestly, this is quite a good movie. Even though there are one or two songs that I don't particularly fancy. Cute kids, cute songs, not so cute Baronesses all set against the backdrop of German occupied Austria. Ahh, the last golden days of the thirties.

Song of The Post: Rebel Without A Cause - Blake Lewis
And now for something completely different! I've been giving you older songs, slower songs, more "classic" sort of songs recently. So, this is the remedy. I can't guarantee you'll like it. Then again, I can never guarantee such things, whether its my quote, movie, or song of the post. Some of the lyrics in the vid are slightly off. If you watch the vid, you'll notice that. Don't worry, it's no biggie. Enjoy.



P.S. I noticed that the music video to my last post is no longer available because it contains content from someone on high, so I've replaced it with another video. Don't miss out!

Dead Letters

It's already been one half of a semester for me. Just one more half to go and I'm on a longish break (3/4 weeks, I think.) Woo!
Already I can sense that I have been doing work. Or something that looks suspiciously like it during this semester. So, I'm avenging all those minutes wasted on work by using minutes most wisely here.

Quote of The Post: "Oh darling, I love you, but this just might
be a feeling that just comes and goes. Don't say I didn't tell you so."
If you didn't know before, you certainly should now. No excuses for you, nor anyone else. I've heard that all love is fleeting, so catch a glimpse of it while you can, because either way, it'll slip out of your hands. (Unless you get lucky and end up one of those really happy old couples. I hope you get lucky. Heh.)

Movie of The Post: Sucker Punch
Not as gratuitous as I'd hoped, mwahahahaha.
Delivers on action! Over the top-ness! Slight clothes! Slow-mo! Dragons! Swords! An old fella! So really this is a winner. Sure, not the best movie ever, and certainly not a movie that will have you shed a tear because of the fully realised plot and character development, but it is a fun ride. Even if the critics don't like fun.

Song of The Post: (Woman) - Shawn Phillips
This is another slower song. It starts off quietly, so don't turn it up too high just because you're struggling to hear it, because you will be able to hear it clearly enough (or, turn it up, then back down to a normal volume at around 45 seconds in.) This song is also known as "She Was Waitin' For Her Mother At The Station In Torino And You Know I Love You Baby But It's Getting Too Heavy To Laugh". Bit of a mouthful, really. But it asserts its ideas quite succinctly: "It's hard to fall out of love completely. It's harder to find a way to come back discreetly."

Time Honoured Ghosts

Quote of The Post: "Wounds heal, bones mend, regrets are forever – regrets don't heal, they whisper and dig deep into our souls."
Regrets become worse the more you let them occupy your thoughts. They keep alive old fears, problems, and insecurities. They give life to your pain and they certainly keep your "mistakes" at the surface of your thoughts. If you can't find a way to make peace with your past, your past will tear you to pieces.

Movie of The Post: Kick-Ass
If you don't like 11 year old girls saying things that would make a sailor blush, then this movie is not for you - also if you don't like wetsuit clad wannabe superheroes. But within that construct is actually quite a good film. Another funny one, I must confess - some subtle humour, a lot of humour that isn't quite so subtle. It's a taste of something fresh and I found it rather entertaining, forgiving its Hollywood ending (but hey, I'm not complaining.)

Song of The Post: The Chain - Fleetwood Mac
The lyrics combined with the emotion of the delivery is the killer. There ain't no doubt about that.

St. Elsewhere

Assignments! Tests! Study! Work! University things! Thinking things! Anything else related in some way to those previously mentioned! I am avoiding you, and I hope you can appreciate just how impressive that is. Okay, so it's not so much impressive as it is daft. But hey, give me a break would ya?

Quote of The Post: "When you've just emptied two barrels of a shotgun into the head of your favourite bartender, it's a pretty good bet that happy hour's over."
Not that I would say I'm a betting man, of course. Ladies and Gentle Men. This is the truth. If you want to be happy, do not shoot the bartender. He has the alcohol. He has the shot glasses. He has the power. Kinda like Jim Carrey in that movie with the powers. You know the one. Simply put, don't bite the hand that feeds you. 'Cause when you aren't getting fed, baby, you're gonna get hungry.

Movie of The Post: Zombieland
Zombies! Gore! 406! Funniness! Twinkies! Cameo appearance! This movie has all this and more! I'm not entirely sure what to say about this movie that hasn't already been said. So... yeah...
Oh! No, no, that's been said too. Nevermind. Okay, seriously, I'm not doing this movie justice. It's good, but it doesn't cater to everyone's tastes. Which means if you do like it, you may just love it. Check it out today! (Or tomorrow if that's better for you.) The zombies want your braaains... and flesh... sate them ...

Song of The Post: Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye - Leonard Cohen
Surely you know the man, if not the song. It's a lovely song. It really is. As much as it pains me to use the non-manly word "lovely". Of course it's not a happy song, but rather one of moving forward and not looking back in tears (or in anger, for those Oasis fans out there). Remember, "my love goes with you as your love stays with me, it's just the way it changes like the shoreline and the sea."

Audio Day Dream

This means it's procrastination time.
Oh yes. I have other things that I probably should be doing, but I reckon they can wait a little while longer.
On good old Facebook is that 30 Day Song Challenge. I'm not gonna do it on Facebook. And I'm gonna do it in one post. Because I have no patience. At least not for this sort of thing. So here it goes.

1) Your Favourite Song: Hoodoo - Muse. A lotta songs are in the higher area of my favourites. This thing requires just one, so take this as it is.

2) Least Favourite Song: I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker - Sandi Thom. Just, no. Don't do it.

3) A Song That Makes You Happy: Bubbly - Colbie Callait. So what? haha, it's a happy song that inspires happiness - at least for a while now.

4) A Song That Makes You Sad: Hanging By A Moment - Lifehouse

5) A Song That Reminds You Of Someone: On Top - The Killers
Alternatively, Here (In Your Arms) - Hellogoodbye

6) A Song That Reminds You Of Somewhere: How You Remind Me - Nickelback. Crazy how a song can trigger memories of a place you've been, innit? I remember a very specific time and place with this baby.

7) Reminds You Of An Event: Broken Boy Soldier - The Raconteurs. Strangely, this darkish sorta song reminds me of a few of the happiest days of my short life, haha.

8) Know All The Words To: Like I Love You - Justin Timberlake. Some of you had to know that was coming. Right? Anyone?

9) Can Dance To: Release - Timbaland & JT

10) Song That Makes You Fall Asleep: They Do, They Don't - Jack Johnson. Hell, anything by Jack Johnson. Sleepy music he makes.

11) From My Favourite Band: Darkshines - Muse. So much good music from these guys. In my opinion. You can have yours, but that doesn't mean it's right!

12) From A Band I Hate - I can't think of a band I hate. This song is random - the first to come up on shuffle: Flathead - The Fratellis

13) A Guilty Pleasure: I Am - Ricky Martin. I know. *sigh. I almost regret putting this here. Almost. But it's actually not that bad! Listen!

14) No One Expects Me To Love: Toccata & Fugue - Vanessa Mae. A modern interpretation of the song (by J. S. Bach, I'm informed.)

15) A Song That Describes Me: I Can't Lie - Maroon 5.
Alternatively, Hidden Track - Muse.
I doubt a single song could ever describe any person at any given point in time (although Hidden Track comes close - check it out). Take it with a grain of salt and then the rest of the salt too.

16) Used To Love, Now Hate: Unchained Melody - The Righteous Brothers. Why? Ghost. I don't hate it. Just dislike it a fair bit.

17) Hear Often On The Radio: Cooler Than Me - Mike Posner. This would have been in about October last year. Not sure what's been on the radio recently. I'm starting to feel a little old and out of touch.

18) Want To Hear On The Radio: The Stars Came Out Once The Lights Went Out - The Veils. And the video is a little strange too. But at least I like this one! Woo! A good song on my radio station, a rarer thing is yet to be heard (slight exaggeration, maybe.)

19) From My Favourite Album (Well, one of my fav albums): Secret - Maroon 5. The album is "Songs About Jane", if you were wondering. That album is pure gold. As are FS/LS, Nux Vomica and Cold Fact, to name three others.

20) When Angry, I Listen To: Killing In The Name - Rage Against The Machine. AARRRGHH! Go hump a poison oak! I won't do what you told me to do that time you told me to do it, so THERE!

21) When Happy, I Listen To: A Little Piece Of Heaven - Avenged Sevenfold. Most of my music could have fitted here. But "Heaven" won out. Heh.

22) When Sad, I Listen To: Iris - Goo Goo Dolls. Though I probably shouldn't. And quite honestly, neither should you. It's just not a dignified thing. I lost all dignity long ago :(

23) At My Wedding, I Want To Play: Love Or Torture (Please Don't Stop) - Blake Lewis. And you can dance to this beat too!

24) At My Funeral, Play: Jackie Wilson Said (I'm In Heaven When You Smile) - Van Morrison. Because it's fast, fun, upbeat and not sad in the least. Also, 'cause I know Jackie really digs this Sweet Smile o' Mine.

25) Makes Me Laugh: I'm On A Blimp - Little Kuriboh. Haha. Ha. It's funny. And it also makes me laugh. And it's a parody. Of a parody styled song.

26) I Can Play It On An Instrument: Joker And The Thief - Wolfmother. I can play it brilliantly well. On my awesomely insanely cool Stratocaster Air Guitar!

27) Wish I Could Play: I'm Shipping Up To Boston - Dropkick Murphys. How awesome would this be!?!?! Lots awesome! Makes me feel like a pirate!

28) Makes Me Feel Guilty: Yer Blues - The Beatles. It's just such a beautiful song, haha.

29) From My Childhood: This House - Alison Moyet. Thanks Mum. I cannot possibly forget this song. Not without a serious case of amnesia. Seriously (Siriusly?).

30) My Favourite Song This Time Last Year: Jesus For The Jugular - The Veils. Probably, anyway. And it's still way up at the top too.

So there you have it. A short list of not many different artists. All for my procrastination. Maybe your enjoyment, I don't know. Please at least click on one link. Just one of you. So that my compiling efforts aren't for naught. Please?

I'm not begging, I'm just... okay! I'm begging! Make my post worthwhile! Click something you don't know! Enjoy! Hate! Whatever, man. Just like, do something.

I don't want to know about any of these links dying. I'm sure YouTube have plenty more of any song I've linked here. Just letting you know. Happy Aural moments to you all.

Edit: alternative songs have been added to numbers 5 and 15. Because I can.

The Basement Tapes

First, good news to counteract the bad news of Blue Valentine last week: not only have I ordered Nux Vomica by The Veils (online, and still waiting for arrival - move just a little bit faster, move just a little now girl!), but I also went out and purchased Troubles Of The Brain, which is The Veils' latest release, an EP. I am a happy person. Musically, that is. Very happy. (Go The Veils!)

Second, the rest of the post!

Quote of The Post: "Sometimes these feelings can be so misleading. She turns to me and says 'Are you alright?' I said 'I must be fine 'cause my heart's still beating.'"
Well, ain't that the damned truth? As long as you have a beating heart, you can get up every morning and smile if you feel fine. If not, try again next time. That's about as simple as things will get. Basically, if you're willing to actually live, instead of just being, then no matter what has happened, you are in a good place to make progress. It's a good place to start.

Movie of The Post: Burn After Reading
Heh. It's a funny movie. Watch it. Maybe not with your parents. Unless you don't mind experiencing suprises of dildo proportions with them (big, sudden, epic and ultimately entertaining. NOT speaking from my own personal experiences with said object!) Just saying. It's a very interesting and different sort of movie (from my perspective anyway) with a story that folds in on itself quite well towards a touching finale.

Song of The Post: Crucify Your Mind - Sixto Rodriguez
This song is utterly amazing! This is without a doubt one of my all time favourite songs. Between the gorgeous instrumentals, that beautiful voice and some of my favourite lyrics ("So con, convince your mirror / As you've always done before / Giving substance to shadows / Giving substance ever more") it really does hold a special place in my musical heart. It's not long, so if you don't know it, give it a chance.

You Can't Argue With A Sick Mind

One can only express disappointment at the lack of a wide cinema release for Blue Valentine in this country. It's only being shown at a handful of cinemas and only one of which is remotely accessible to me. But for reasons I shall not be entering into, I'll just wait for the DVD release. Sad me :(

Quote of The Post: "There's no such thing as love at first sight. But there is love of an idea at first sight. "
And boy, oh, boy that makes life an interesting thing to live. Tell me you haven't been there. You just lied. Yeah. I'm assuming things, right here, right now. But seriously, love at second sight is a hell of a stretch too. Love of an idea at first sight is mighty infectious. What is a more resilient parasite than an idea? (This is foreshadowing, I believe).

Movie of The Post: Inception
See? Foreshadowing. This is a movie that I suspect quite a few people have seen. A lot of people. Even you. I must say, I did very much enjoy this movie. A lot. Not least of all because it stars Leonardo DiCaprio. An interesting, literally multi-layered film with a couple of good lines here and there and a raiser of many interesting mind/dream related questions. What have they done to our minds? How? Why?!

Song of The Post: Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison
I don't care who you are, if you don't know this song then you really have been living under a rock all of your life. If you didn't know a song in my last three posts, I could understand that. But this is a ridiculously famous song. You have to know it. Seriously.
This, to me, is a great song about looking back and smiling. It makes me smile. It's just that good. Even if you've heard it a billion times before, take 3 minutes to listen to it once more.

Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!

A wild post appeared! Mostly because it's not a bad time to ignore calculus. And other stuff related to the place I'm being edumacated at.

Due to the realisation that I've never ever done this (and I probably should have, although with the minute number involved it's almost negligable in any case), I must say, thank you commenters! You write a comment, I read them. Usually with gusto.

This is another " ... of The Post" posts. Mostly because I've seen a movie (again) worthy of mentioning. Movies will be the main reason I expect these posts to be rare in occurrence (In terms of time, if that makes sense). Don't hold your breath. Even if you're a ghost. It'll only hurt. I've tried. And then the sun shone! *Looks around shiftily.

Quote of The Post: "I was strumming on an old guitar I'd found in the master bedroom. It was missing a string, completely out of tune, and I had no idea how to play the thing. But I strummed nonetheless – there was timid peace in absurdity, always had been."
Sometimes we find peace in silliness and laughter. Children are good at it, we lose it a bit, I think, as we get older. We need to let go, breathe easy, and open our eyes to normality. We need to find the absurd to bring us back down to earth. Find your broken acoustic and strum away, baby.

Movie of The Post: Pan's Labyrinth
There is no way that I can put into words the complete and utter awesomeness that this masterpiece is. I cannot. But it is brilliant. So fantastic it hurts. The story, the visuals, the music, all of it. This is one of my favourite movies ever in the whole entire Universe. Yeah, it's that good. A Spanish fantasy and civil war film, it will blow your minds.

Song of The Post: Take A Walk Around The Table - White Rabbits
This band, you may remember, is the one that caught my eye while flicking through T.V. channels last year. March last year. Basically a year ago. 12 months and the world has had me spinning. Turns out I like White Rabbits quite a lot. I love the sound of this song. Just me and being happy when this is on the airwaves. It's goood stuff!

Second Contribution

In anticipation of being busy for my new semester of university studies, and thus an expected lack of motivation to publish any new posts, I am providing another potentially interesting post. Potentially. If you think the potential is not so great, then leave. You have no time for me. Winner.

And so, with a shining new era (tiptoeing nearer), I present the latest of my " ... of The Post" posts. It may or may not be the last post for quite a while. Who knows?

Quote of The Post: "The first man to see an illusion by which men have flourished for centuries surely stands in a lonely place."
It seems true enough, doesn't it? If you were the only person to notice something that other people had never seen despite their proximity to it, then it sure would make you wonder about Stuff. Would you really want to tell people that they lived by illusion all their lives? Would they believe you if you did tell them? Perhaps not saying anything is all that will save you from being burnt at the stake. A little sad, no?

Movie of The Post: Children of Men
This is a really good movie. From the acting, the story, to the subtle nature of the futurism shown throughout. It really is a movie that I enjoy. I don't like telling the premise of a story like I did for 25th Hour, so I'm not gonna do it here. This movie has action, drama, and a touch of romance. If that appeals to you in any way, catch this flick.

Song of The Post: Lavinia - The Veils
This could be an acquired taste for some. I hope you like it. I do. A song by my Band of The Year 2010, although this song is not on the album that propelled The Veils into that position. This song was present on their debut album for your enjoyment, so don't disappoint them. Or you can. The choice is yours to make. This version is the video edit, because all the album versions had "Embedding disabled by request" and I am not of the skill level to break through that defence.

Finding Beauty In Negative Spaces

So, it does turn out that whenever The Stars is updated, said update coincides with a bout of utter Boredom. In order to make this a smidgen more interesting, I've decided that I will attempt to add some lines, movies and music to the scene. Obviously if there is no one paying attention to this but me, it will be only I who gains any satisfaction out of this attempt. You have been warned.

Quote of The Post: "Seize the day, or die regretting the time you lost."
Because, well, if you don't you will have regrets. And regret isn't pretty. Lots of things aren't pretty, to be honest. But at least you can avoid regret, given the right actions. You can't make the Fiat Multipla pretty, short of closing your eyes or turning away. So be happy with what you can change and make your life pretty. (That came out a little strong. The word "pretty", I mean. Don't judge me!)

Movie of The Post: 25th Hour
If you know me, then it really shouldn't come as a surprise that a movie starring Edward Norton is a movie I like (although "The Hulk", "The Italian Job" and "Pride and Glory" weren't exactly great).
This movie centers on a man's final 24 hours of freedom before he begins a 7 year jail term. He spends his time with family and friends, thinking about his choices and the position they've placed him in.
It's my Movie of The Post, of course I'd recommend this for a viewing!

Song of The Post: Thistle & Weeds - Mumford & Sons
First off, music is music, you'll either like this, not like this, or be undecided. I'm not going to convince you to like it just because I like it. Secondly, I'm under the impression that Mumford & Sons are the band all the cool kids are into these days. I'm not trynna be a cool kid. I like this song because it is good. Not because people will think I'm cool for saying I like it. But then again, if you know me, you know that too. Moving on, I've finally discovered Embedding Magic, so without greater preamble, The Music!

Dweller On The Threshold

I recently discovered that I had the beginning of an old draft blog post that has been hiding from me. So, without further ado, I present you with the Lost Blog Post, all the way from 11 March 2009.

"Seeing as I've been living in the equivalent of "Sea Haven", everyone should know by now that I am in Year 13, my final year of school. And I have to say that it has got me thinking somewhat (not about school work, you sick excuse for a blind bat!)."

I must admit that I have no idea what "Sea Haven" is, nor what I meant by its use above. I even googled it to see if I could make sense of it. I couldn't.

I guess that means I really am a little bit crazy. Especially because it's an indication that I can't even keep up with myself. But maybe that's why even I find my earlier posts more interesting than my more recent ones. Maybe I've lost the crazy? Maybe it doesn't matter either way. Besides, Gnarls Barkley has enough crazy for the rest of us, and I could still do with going down a notch or three.

Interestingly enough, and while we are on the topic of crazy, I completed this post under the old draft post. When I published it, it went to 11 March 2009, as if it had always been there. That is rather odd. This is the repost of that post (although this whole paragraph is a new one) thus ensuring it gets to officially be the newest blog post on The Stars.

Part 1

Blinding whiteness and an incredibly painful pounding in my head was the only awareness that I had. I couldn't possibly say for how long I was subjected to that torture - my gage of passing time was non-existent. It could have been seconds, hours, days even. For me, it felt like an eternity of pain.

I saw flashes of moments I assumed were my memories, but they were always too rapid for me to concentrate on. A dull green blur, something dark, then blinding whiteness again.

It was all in my mind, at least I hoped it was. My retinas surely would have burnt out if I'd actually seen this light. Maybe they had, but I had no way of knowing for sure. I thought that I'd been getting used to it because I didn't feel as sore as I had before. It was possible that I had lost my mind, as I began to realise that the brightness was dimming and the pain diminishing.

***

A hand belonging to the young man lying in the steel framed bed twitched. Nobody present noticed as they lay asleep in identical beds in rows around him. They too were unwanted and desperate, choosing this as their promising escape.

***

My eyes fluttered open, I blinked several times before I could see anything. I felt that I was lying in a bed – an uncomfortable one at that. I raised a hand to test my vision. There was something blurred on it. I tried moving my hand further away then closer again to adjust my focus. Just as it was becoming clearer, I heard a noise to my left and turned sharply to face it.