Twilight Rambler

So, let me begin by saying that this blog entry is in no way meant to bash anyone, their likes, etc. This is merely my ramblings on a hot entertainment topic of the day...the Twilight movies.
       I am not a fan, first. I have tried, and for some reason just can't appreciate Twilight....New Moon...etc. I am, a vampire fan in films and TV. Heck, I married a Buffy fanatic. I have seen every episode of Buffy as well as Angel. (The things we do for a little nookie). And, ...I enjoyed them for the most part...(give or take season 5 of Buffy and the entire storyline of Angel's son in Angel....I digress) I also, have been known in my time, to thoroughly enjoy a good romantic movie, as well as your so called "chic flics". So sue me. I recommend Beaches, Terms of Endearment, Thelma and Louise, When Harry Met Sally, etc etc etc ..... I went to Lilith Fair for Geez's sake!! OK.....that's my preemptive explanation before I'm bombarded with "Well, you just don't like vampires!!", or, "Well, you just can't appreciate a good romance!!"............I do and can.
         I think my dislike stems from a few observations. I ask anyone who can offer some enlightenment as to how I'm misguided to please comment. 1- Kristen Stewert--- come on people, I mean, can anyone tell me how this girl gets cast based on her "acting skill"?? I heard she's considering using two expressions in the 3rd movie. This may sound mean, but, I said the same thing after seeing her in "Adventureland." Blase. Is she cute?? Sure. 2- cat calls....I do not want to be present at any VAMPIRE movie where the audience hoots and hollers anytime a male vampire removes his shirt......when this is an occurence, it eliminates any chance whatsoever for an audience member to be "scared" at any point in the movie.....it becomes, merely a "Made for Nikelodeon" in my mind .... I mean, what's in store for the third movie?? Miranda Cosgrove as a vamp??.......3-- this next thing baffles me. I have many friends and/or acquaintences that love these movies. I love my friends, but, I find it fascinating that MOST, not all, but most fall in two categories of age and sex: teenage girls, and women in their 30's.....this is not wrong, just interesting. I feel as if the movie's advertising has completely accepted the fact that most guys aren't going to get into this, therefore, more skin!! more skin!! more romance!! ... screw what the guys want..  4-- Twilight fans.....I would stop griping alot if you could at least admit that the movies are "fluff", rather than defending it as if it's "great movie making". come on, come on, you can do it....fess up, puberty isn't being the kindest to Dakota...there, I said it....it's OK, you can say it. (fyi..I loved I Am Sam) I'm not trying to slam her, but, I feel adding her to this movie was intended to give it some sort of legitamacy in the acting category. It does a bit, but, Dakota, be careful girl....this can't be considered a step up from working with Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Julia Roberts, and Mel Gibson....can it?? 5-- Last gripe, the saturation of merchandise!! Stop already... I mean, I went Xmas shopping at Toys are us for Rowan, and they had a Twilight aisle!!
         OK. I feel better. I do want to say this, though. We all like different things for different reasons. That's what makes life interesting. I do not wish ill will towards the Twilight fans or phenomenon. I care deeply for many of them myself.If it makes that many people happy, then it serves a useful
purpose. I just wished in some way it appealed to me a little, only so the media overkill for it didn't incite me so much. I have tried. It just ain't gonna happy for me.

        Let me end by adding that I like alot of things that others hate. I laugh out loud at silly comedies like Anchorman and Happy Gilmore. I don't defend them as "quality" or "great movies", but, they fulfill a purpose for my psyche. My wife and family hate these movies. I have to rent them and watch them alone in the wee hours just to avoid group eye rolling. My favorite band of all time is DEVO. I can easily name you more of my Facebook friends who think DEVO is crap, then I could of those who like them. It's OK. We're all different.  I liked Ishtar. I did!! This movie appears on almost every critic's list of worst Hollywood bombs of all time. Know what?? I don't care, it made me laugh. ======  I'm ending with all of this babble so as to make sure that I'm not a hater. I'm perplexed, out of the "popular" circle currently, and, feeling the need to say something. I don't get it. For those who love these movies, I say, "I'm glad you have something that makes you happy." I'll be in the other room renting Year One with Jack Black and Michael Cera. I bet it's so bad I love it!!

    

My Favorite Band...Ever

If you know me at all, you've probably just said "Devo" in your head. Yes, friends, believe it or not, Devo is my all time favorite band. Surprised?? I first was introduced to Devo in the summer of 81 at Camp Crosley in North Webster, Indiana. I was a 13 year old camper at the time. One night, during a talent show, all of the cooks from the kitchen did a lip sync of "Girl U Want". They gyrated, danced robotically, etc. I was really impressed. So much so, that, when I returned home, the first thing I did was go to Stonehenge records in Muncie and purchase the tape of "Freedom of Choice." (The album I'm seeing played in it's entirety live tonight........pause, quit breathing heavy, and, resume typing) In the fall of 81, I made up my own original dance to "Whip It". I'm sure a few of you have seen me do it once or twice. I performed it in numerous talent shows, on a game show "Puttin On the Hits", at many weddings (Meg's, Rachel's, my own; in a tux), and, mostly, by request, in the wee AM hours at Streeter's Tavern. I remember some of those. I have actually won over $1000 doing it competitively. For my newer friends, "No, I'm not kidding." .....  So, little to say, my love affair with DEVO is, for better or for worse, the longest I've consistently liked a band/singer. Love em. They make me smile with their sardonic/ironic lyrics. The fact that there is a very distinct line between those who "get Devo", and those who see them as "geeks", pleases me.  I like that so many bands are recognizing them as a great influence in their music. Bands covering Devo include Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, etc. Pearl Jam even played their Halloween gig this year dressed as Devo and played "Whip It" for an encore. Devo performed at Muffy's party on the series "Square Pegs". Devo have done commercials for Honda scooters, Target, priceline, Swifter, etc. If you know Devo, the theory of "selling out" or "being dumbed down" is part of what Devo has always sung about. ...... It's as if, to me, Devo is continuing to work on the exact same "art project" they began as students together at Kent State in 1972. For the record, Mark Mothersbaugh got an "A" on their original college presentation entitled "The Truth About Devolution". That, was the beginning of Devo. ........OK........so, has everyone managed to answer my inquisitive blog post's title yet???  Good job. Well, gotta run. I'm roadtrippin' to see my band. (long pause) AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

My Sweet Wittle Rowan

Today, Erica is working a conference at Purdue. This means, it's time for a "Daddy-Daughter Day", as we refer with affection.  I love these days. It's just me and the kid doing fun stuff, cooking together, watching a movie, playing outside, etc. Today DDDay was a little different, in that we attended a field trip organized through Rowan's Girl Scout troupe. It was a father and daughter's only outing to Monster Golf. Monster Golf....think Chuckie Cheese meets Putt Putt, indoors, with lots of black lights, neon paint, and "scary to a 6 year old" images. It was fun for what it was. This was the second time I have taken Rowan for miniature golf. Her interest lasted twice as long as the previous venture. So,...after hole 4....we hit the arcade area. We probably dropped 10 dollars, and had a green plastic whistle and a sucker to show for our efforts afterwards. Arcades like this give me mixed emotions. Rowan, loves them and thinks they're amazing. I, on the other hand, have minimal fun and can't stop thinking the whole time that I'd have been better off just burning my money. I digress. Thank goodness for skee ball and pop a shot or I'd have totally hated it.
     Part of the field trip included lunch for the dads and daughters. Dominoes pizza was delivered, and I was quickly reminded why I never get Dominoes pizza. That's neither here not there. During lunch, Rowan and I sat with one of her classmates (Paige) and her father. Paige was very well behaved, but, Rowan was a bit more of a "show off" with a bit too much unbridled energy for dining. I redirected Rowan more than twice by sitting her back in her chair, and quietly yet sternly telling her to "sit down and eat", and,"quit jumping around until we're done eating." By the time I had to ask her for a 3rd time, Rowan was quick to identify my "I'm not kidding" face, and sat down and finished her slice.
      We played a few more arcade games. I let her beat me at air hockey, prompting her to laugh at me stating "Kicked yer butt, daddy!!" I said nothing. ... Rowan gave some hugs, said her goodbyes, and we were back in the pickup heading home. On the way home, I turned off the radio and initiated a conversation about what it means to listen well, and, do what your parents ask you to the first time. For the most part, Rowan listened, though she did start most defenses with "But dad, I was just......yada,yada,yada." She ended by agreeing to do things when asked the first time from now on.
     At home, I began doing the dishes. Rowan, grabbed the Swifter and began spraying the cleaning fluid non stop. I told her, "That's enough", and she continued. I again said,"Rowan....please stop wasting the cleanser." She didn't stop. Now, she began spraying the carpet. At this, I turned off the water where I was, raised my voice to louder-sterner level and said,"Rowan!! Listen to me. Stop wasting the Swifter juice!!!!". She drops the mop, and breaks into tears asking,"why are you yelling at me daddy??". As I attempt to explain, she turns around and saunters off to her room while bawling, and trying to say how mean she thinks I am. I let her go, figuring a little regrouping time on her own, and for me, would be good.
       Rowan stayed in her room for a good ten minutes. The crying eventually subsided, and I heard her bedroom door open. I waited, but she did not emerge to the living room where I now was. I heard another sound. I believed it was the sound of scotch tape being dispensed. A moment later, I heard her door shut again. Curiosity made me go see what was going on. I walked down the hallway, and, when I arrived at her shut door, I saw a crudely written note taped to the door. It had two words that simply stated, "No Joe". I had to put my hand over my mouth not to laugh aloud, and I hurried away. I didn't want to demean her action since I think she was being very serious. Also, the "J" in Joe was backwards, which added to the "Little Rascal esque" quality of the note.
        Ten minutes later, I hear her door open again. I then heard the rip sound, and crinkling of paper. Rowan came out to the living room with lower lip puffed a bit. I asked her,"How ya doin'?" She shrugged ans said,"I was really mad at you." I replied,"I know...I saw your note." She immediately stated "I ripped that up. I wrote that when you were making me mad. I'm not mad any more." I apologized for yelling, but, reassured her that mommy or I would probably yell again unless she works on her listening skills. She agreed.

        Rowan and I hugged each other tight, watched an episode of Spongebob, shared some Chips Ahoy and milk, and now, are setting up plastic bowling pins in the hall. I think we're good now.

WHAT CAN I GET YOU? A BARTENDER BRAINSTORMS

Hey again...Joe here. This post is more as if my fingers are taking dictation from my brain; off the top of me head. I bartend at DT Kirby's here in downtown Lafayette Indiana. If you're unfamiliar, it's a very cool neighborhood, conversation bar and restaurant. By conversation bar, I refer to the fact that we don't have music as an element of DTs. Don and Trish, the owners, are proud to have the only quaint bar in town where one can have conversation first, without talking over a jukebox, band, etc.It is unique, and, appreciated by many.The atmosphere is very welcoming, the food amazing, and overall it has a pretty cool staff. I love working there.
I work late night Mondays (8-3?), and Tuesdays 9-3. Mondays right now are a mixture of Monday Night Football fans and regulars drinking. Tuesdays, I host what I call TUESDAZE where I show comedy movies, stand up routines, tell jokes, etc. It's fun, though I think it'd be more fun to have a bigger amount of laughers show. So, I am trying to promote my shifts. Here's what I am inquiring of you:
What types of activities would you enjoy DTs offering on late night Mondays and Tuesdays that would increase you and your friend's desires to go out there.I'm open to suggestions. I want those nights to have an element of fun, and I'm looking for something different. Cards?? Board Games?? Trivia?? Is there a particularly good program on TV on Mondays or Tuesdays that you think might be fun to watch weekly together??
So there's my question. DTs has some of the most affordable drinks in town, THE best sandwiches and dogs, friendly staff, food til close, etc etc etc.....Now, I ask you "to help me, help you." (Jerry McGuire)
Sincerely looking forward to making a night out like you want,
Joe

Happiness Is In the Eye of the Beholder

Hello blog readers. Happy Joe here. Who is Happy Joe you ask? Happy Joe is a version of me that visits every so often who is easier going and more content that Regular Joe...his blander first cousin. Basically what I'm trying to say is that, "I'm feelin' good lately." Every now and then I get these spurts where everything seems OK. Now don't get me wrong. I still have all my same problems I always have: money, bills, etc The difference I believe is cognitive, and therefore I am fascinated by trying to figure out how to be this way every day. As a human, I'm sure permanent contentment will never be obtained, but, I still find it fun to try and figure out the Happy Joe visits. Currently, I attribute my euphoria to the following reasons:
1- the sun has been shining alot lately and the fall foilage is awesome
2- I really enjoy where I work, and, am doing nicely there...(if I may say)
3- I've got a great support system in my wife, daughter, and extended families
4- I'm going out for a good lunch with my girls today...(Erica and Rowan)
5- Had a great shift last night thanks in part to two awesome sports events: MNF and the World Series
6- I'm seeing my all time favorite band ever in my lifetime...DEVO...in Chicago in 10 days!!
7- November is my favorite month of the year, due mostly to containing my favorite holiday: Thanksgiving
8- My bills are paid up to date
9- I haven't gotten the flu...knock on a big friggin' piece of wood for that one
10- Holiday seasons are approaching. Not for the commercial reasons, but I love the music, the lights, the good cheer, the parties, the tv specials...I'm an admitted holiday sap. So sue me.
So there ya go. I think it's a good way to start a day when you can. Think of the little picture, and sometimes that'll make you forget about the bigger problem areas of the big picture. Doesn't cure anything, but, makes the rides and struggles of living a little more bearable. Always look on the bright side of life, and just keep livin'.