Monday, March 29, 2004

Irony? You have no idea...
While skimming through the Saturday issue of my local newspaper, I stumbled upon an article by none other than my 'humble' friend, Bill O'Reilly. So I obviously had to read it over. And what I found was the most ironic article I've ever read in my 1.5 decades of existence.

Within the article, O'Reilly complains about reporters who take and promote a particular side of a story/subject, with some going so far as to use their positions to contribute to a cause. Such as the Newsweek (or New York Times, I'm not sure) reporter who fabricated details (and occasionally entire stories) for his own advancement.

Now, although O'Reilly isn't guilty of the second accusation, he is quite profound at the former. Throughout the article, he complains about reporters who take and/or promote a side, such as with government officials, or parties. The irony? O'Reilly has more than once described liberals as idiotic, strange, and other negatory synonyms, whilst at the same time promoting (although not preaching, thankfully) conservative views. That's what gets me about the guy, and it's also what had me laughing my gluteus maximus off while readint the article. He claims humility and impartiality, yet still manages to wave the pro-Bush, conservative flag. (And somehow, my friend Webby still manages to worship the man as the pinnacle of reporting prowess and integrity. Just because of my recent complaints about B.O. and FOXNews in general, he's sending me O'Reilly's first book! Which I'll gladly read, of course...)

En otro... stuff, I'm eagerly awaiting the theatrical debut of more than a few great movies. The list is thus (in no particular order):

Aliens vs. Predator (love the game and movies!)

Van Helsing (Hugh Jackman+Demon-hunting=DOMO ARIGATO, MISTAH ROBOTO!)

Garfield (it could be good... maybe.)

Spider-Man² (*thwip!* Geeks unite!)

Hellboy (comics are taking over)

Punisher (gun-blazing, Marvel-comic action)

There are a few others, I'm sure, but I can't remember every trailer and/or poster in the theater. (For example, a really cool-looking robot poster with a movie name I can't remember.) Anyways, I'll post again tomorrow. (Join my forum, or else!) Also, I've got the Comments option turned on, so now I can receive feedback on my posts. :D

Itte ki masu.
Comments (1) | Permalink

Saturday, March 27, 2004

Whoa.
Well, as I said, I went and saw Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ". And just as I suspected, it was a great movie.

But before I start praising the movie, I think it appropriate to first complain about my experience.

My first complaint is this: Nachos with lukewarm cheese do not a good snack make. Trust me on this one. (What's even worse is a plastic dish-thing filled with nachos, with only enough lukewarm cheese for 1/4 of the chips!) One other thing that detracted from my viewing experience was the stereotypical talktative couple. No more than four feet away from me was a couple in their mid-sixties who WOULD NOT SHUT UP. The war in Iraq, the gay marriage issue, the debate over "Passion's" supposed anti-semitism, they went through it all! IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FILM! If not for the subtitles, I would have missed half the dialogue in this film! What's worse? The woman's cell phone went off a record four times during the film, and each time she had the gall to answer it!

This next complaint wasn't really a bad thing, just made me feel a bit uncomfortable: My brother and I were the only people in the theater who were under the age of 60! And since we came in with nachos and soda, we received more than a few cold glances, with one couple going so far as to mumble amongst themselves (obviously so we could hear without them confronting us directly). Heaven forbid that HEATHEN NACHOS be brought to the LORD'S MOVIE! >_< And then there was the crying. No, people weren't dropping down on their knees and screaming scripture quotes, but there were enough tears and sobs to dampen the experience. Surprisingly, my grandmother was completely unphased.

Now, as for my thoughts on the movie? It was great! A truly thought-provoking experience, with some of the best acting I've ever seen. Despite the small language barrier (everyone speaks either Latin or Hebrew, fortunately with English subtitles), the emotion conveyed (both verbally and physically) is done so to perfection. The casting is also spot-on, but not exactly what I would call remarkable. The only person I recognized was the woman who played Mary Magdelene (she also played Persephone in the Matrix Reloaded [and looked good in both roles! HOTCHA!]).

A lot of people have complained about the gore being "over-the-top, unnecessary", etc. Well, I tell you it's not. I will admit that there are more than a few stomach-wrenching scenes (seeing the flesh torn on Jesus' back with hooked whips, for example), but none so horrible that I couldn't stomach it. It's all used in perspective, to show what happened to Jesus before and during his crucifixion, as reported both in history and the Bible (and combinations of the two). Also, the injuries are shown in an extremely realistic way. Props to the makeup/"special effects" crew of this film: At times I was positive that the actor playing Jesus was truly being tortured. I'd love to know how they pulled it off...

The overall message of the film, to me, resonates rather well. The film seems to take away all the pomp and contradictions within the Bible and strip it down to the core lesson. I'd reiterate it, but I think that the film will have different meanings for everyone who partakes, the same with anything else.

And as for the purported anti-semitism within Gibson's film, well, I didn't see any. Yes, it does portray Jews being cruel (inhumanely so, at times) to Jesus, but in retrospect, it shows more than twice the amount of Jewish characters trying to help him (such as the one who carries the cross for him). Thus, the movie doesn't really put the "blame" on any one group.

Overall, I'd suggest that anyone watch this movie, Christian or not. Just try not to laugh at the hilarious-looking "demon children" in one scene, as it will result in droves of old ladies glaring daggers at you.

Now THAT'S "Fair and Balanced"! Fox News should learn a lesson in impartiality.
Comments (0) | Permalink

ROBOTS! DANCING ROBOTS!
Okay, so they're life-saving robots. Whatever. Anyways, as my friend Caru stated already in his own blog, this is that first step towards Gundam-esque perfection. Of course, I still have yet to purchase an ASIMO. :D

In other news (I've gotta get a new "let's change the subject" line), I'm about to head off for "The Passion of the Christ". Again, I sincerely don't want to go. My previous post tells you most of the reasons, but there is yet another: As soon as we get into the van for the trek home, after the movie is over, either my grandmother or my just-as-zealous brother (most likely the former) will start a pro-God/Jebus rant, which will result in accelaration of my descent into insanity. >_<

I'll post about the events after they transpire. Later.
Comments (0) | Permalink

Friday, March 26, 2004

Not much Passion to be had...
Praise be to Yevon: My highly-religious grandmother is FORCING me to see "The Passion of the Christ"! Why me? Personally, I'd love to see the movie -in the comfort of my own home. I'm not a big fan of people bawling and quoting scripture when I'm only halfway through my extra-cheesy nachos. What's more? My grandmother is likely to be one of them, seeing how fervently religious (and over-reactive) she is... Thus, not good for me.

In other news, I managed to catch the first ten minutes or so of last night's O'Reilly Factor, and all I can say is... Wow. I mean, reading transcripts of the guy's show is bad enough, but actually seeing him live is pretty pathetic. Again, I have to reiterate how ironic the "Fair and Balanced" FOX slogan is. And on his website, the link to his profile describes O'Reilly as 'humble'! HUMBLE! I can't accurately describe how much I dislike this guy. But I've attempted that enough over the past few days, and it must be getting annoying to the reader.

So, something else to rant about? Politics? Religion? The highly corrosive/flammable/toxic results of mixing the two? Nah. I'll just re-iterate the fact that I've got my own message board, which is found here- http://joshu06.proboards23.com I need members, especially intelligent members who love a good debate. That's almost purely what my forum is about: Debate. Yes, the typical, obligatory message board jargon is included, but the main focus is debate. Politics, Religion, Morals, Science, it's all there. Oh, and being the geek I am, I've also taken the liberty of adding videogaming and techstuffs sections. ^^x

There's one last thing I'd like to interject here, and it relates to the atheist man who is trying to get the words "under God" taken out of the Pledge. I'm afraid I have to laugh at this guy's efforts, as I do not see how hearing "under God" is 'coercement', as the man said it was. The concept of God is prevalent in more than one religion, a fact that he seems to be less than able to grasp. It seems to be the current equivalent to "What Would Jesus Drive?"... And he also seems to be trying to keep atheism a part of his child's beliefs, which I think is a dumb practice all together: that of parents forcing their kids into their religion without giving them a choice. Why is it that a child is never allowed to make the choice for themselves at a certain age? Instead, they're constantly raised "one way" and are told that everything else is "wrong". Or at least, they're lead to that conclusion. Myself, I've chosen both Buddhism and Christianity. However, my grandmother would completely freak out, have a stroke, and/or kick me out of the house if she found out I believed in Buddhism (my grandfather wouldn't care, but I just don't tell him because he may inadvertently 'blow my cover'.). If I ever have a child, I'll simply let them learn about religions themselves, and I won't force them into Buddhism or Christianity. I say they should make the choice themselves.

But that's enough from me!

In closing, I'd like to reiterate my sincere wish that Kerry wins the election. And the fact that I'm a complete and total geek. Oh, JOIN MY BOARDS!!! http://joshu06.proboards23.com

Later.
Comments (0) | Permalink

Thursday, March 25, 2004

Yet more proof that FOXNews is neither "fair" nor "balanced"...
Yes, I know it seems like I'm going on a random anti-FOXNews spiel, and that's because I am, ladies, gentlemen, and members of the Kingdom Monera. Now, what is this proof against FOXNews, you ask? It's all contained within Bill O'Reilly's segment of FOX's airspace.

Need an example? Here ya go: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,114968,00.html

"Fair and Balanced"? The man continuously interrupts those who oppose his views, label them as automatically anti-american, socialists and/or communists, and he's pretty arrogant, to boot. The link I provided in my last post is quite accurate on O'Reilly. Plus, I just like Maddox. Funny guy. Vulgar, and a bit of a know-it-all, but a very pretty lady-er, funny guy. (Anyone who's played GTA3 and heard Fernando on Chatterbox gets the joke)

In other news, my friend Webby would definitely disagree with me on the O'Reilly Factor (:D). As a matter of fact, he just did over AIM:

Webby2299: josh, I religiously watch O'Reilly
Webby2299: and read his books
Webby2299: he is my god

There's more insanity!!!

Webby2299: he's done more for America than anyone else on the news.
Webby2299: He's the one who got Pepsi to fire the rapper Ludicrous
Webby2299: he's the one who forced the 9/11 charities to pay the families the money was owed to

>_< Why, Webby? WHY!? I mean, the 9/11 thing is a good point, but O'Reilly doing the most for America? DAMN YOU CANADIAN BACON!!! (Gotta love John Stewart)

In closing, I'd like to reiterate that I now have a message board up and running for whatever debating one may wish to engage in while online. http://joshu06.proboards23.com
Please people, join up. Every time you ignore me, God kills a kitten. (Ah, the joys of shameless advertising...)

Itte ki masu, every one! *Now STFU, Timmy, and eat your damn Crimmus Turkey!*
Comments (0) | Permalink

Wednesday, March 24, 2004

FOX News: Fair and Balanced (As long as you lean to the right)
http://maddox.xmission.com/c.cgi?u=bill_oreilly HILARITY!!! (Warning: There is some language involved, so if you've got virgin ears/eyes, be aware.) I personally hate FOX News, as, despite all their claims to be "Fair and Balanced", they seem (to me, anyways) to be almost purely rightist, and are definitely completely pro-Bush. At least, that's how it looks to me. Whenever a person is interviewed and has anti-Bush views, they are frequently interrupted and can never finish a sentence, along with receiving much less air time. However, an ever-present opposing, pro-Bush interviewee receives much more airtime, and is allowed to interrupt the anti-Bush person without interference.

The only upside I found with FOX was during the 'shock-and-awe' campaign in Iraq: They had the greatest shots of the bombings I've ever seen! Other than that, though, FOX just rubs me the wrong way.

Anyways, other than that, I've also got my own message board up! http://joshu06.proboards23.com Seeing as how there are very few opportunites for intelligent debate on the internet anymore (not that there aren't any here, just not as often as I'd like), I've devoted an entire section of the internet purely to debate! Sure, there'll be the typical board functions, but debate is the focus here. I hope people join!
Comments (0) | Permalink

Sunday, March 21, 2004

Oh, the stupidity! *slaps forehead* Damn mosquitoes...
Well, this is certainly... interesting. In last night's newspaper, they ran this article on the front page:

"State Liquor Official Threatens Club For Hosting Gay Marriages

NEW PALTZ (AP) - Organizers who planned a fourth round of same-sex marriages here Saturday switched locations after the owner of the club where the ceremonies were to take place got a warning from state liquor authorities, the club owner said Friday.

Steve Scheno, 24, owner of The Wave, had given approval for the ceremonies at his club. But Scheno backed out after he was told by an agent from the New York State Liquor Authority that if illegal activity were conducted at the club it would "reflect on" the club's liquor license, he said.

The agent "kind of insinuated that" the club would lose it's liquor license, said Scheno, who also runs a club in Atlanta.

The state liquor authority did not immediately return calls for comment.

Six Unitarian Universalist ministers were to conduct the same-sex weddings for 30 couples."

And there's the article. Now, as for my opinion on the subject? It sounds like the club was threatened solely for hosting gay marriages, which I think is a very sad thing. Although I will concede to the fact that, yes, gay marriage is currently not allowed in NY (civil unions, however, are legal), I still fail to see why the state liquor authority can threaten the club like that solely on the fact that it was hosting gay marriages, and not receive some sort of legal action. It seems like discrimination to me. (Oh boy, here I go again on another rant. I'll just stop myself now.)

In other news, President Chen Shui-bian won the Taiwanese presidential race yet again, despite the recent assassination attempt. Good for him.

[koppelvoice] "I'm Ted Koppel, and this... is constipation." [/koppelvoice]
Comments (0) | Permalink

Saturday, March 20, 2004

The Dumbest Town in the Universe...
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&cid=519&u=/ap/20040317/ap_on_re_us/county_gay_ban_1&printer=1

They're at it again, folks! The good people of Dayton, Tennessee are once again proving that they are one of the largest sources of idion poisoning in this country! Last time, it was the famous "Monkey Trials", in which they tried to prosecute a man for teaching evolution, and almost succeeded. (It also inspired the play and movie, "Inherit the Wind", which I recommend everyone see.)

This time, however, they're hopping on the anti-gay-rights bandwagon. That's right, they're trying to charge homosexuals with a crime against nature. Apparently, they want to make it illegal for homosexuals to live in the county. >_< Have these people ever heard of human rights, the US Constitution, etc? Ugh.

In other news, I've managed to procure the following comic tract from Jack Chick's site (www.chick.com), which means more hilarity. This guy is insane: http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/0100/0100_01.asp Apparently, we're all going to go to hell! Everyone! In this tract, he says that every other religion except Christianity is nothing more than a "lie" created by Satan. Which makes me very offended. Of course, the rest of the comic goes on in much the same fashion. At least his complete lack of artistic talent keeps the whole thing in perspective. ^^x

Itte ki masu, from a very offended Shinken.
Comments (0) | Permalink

Friday, March 19, 2004

Shouldn't a day off be fun? Why isn't it?
A boring day, as I said. Fortunately, I managed to relieve the tedium by receiving Rurouni Kenshin: Tales of the Meiji- "A Shinobi's Love" on DVD. It's a great installment, and I can't wait for the next one. It's a true classic.

I also managed to find and take an online test which tries to help people find a religion that agrees with their beliefs, contained here: http://www.selectsmart.com/RELIGION And guess what I am? You got it, Mahayana Buddhist! Strangely, Christianity fell way down near the number 20 spot. Then again, I do disagree with most doctrine... I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to find their place, so to speak.

I also managed to find yet another moronic, factually unfounded, stereotype-enforcing comic from my dear old archnemesis in spirit, Jack Chick. This time, his comic deals with the "evils" of playing Dungeons & Dragons, which is apparently controlled by a secret cult of evil guys. This guy is both the bane of my existence, and my greatest source of personal humor. http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/0046/0046_01.asp

I suggest you surf around Jack Chick's site, as it is a very hilarious look into the mind of a madman. (I'll warn you, though. If you're not a fundamentalist Christian evangelist, you'll definitely be offended. I certainly was by his portrayal of Buddhists as con artists who hate Christians violently. Makes me wanna HULK OUT YARGH.)

Itte ki masu. God I'm long-winded and geeky.
Comments (0) | Permalink

Wednesday, March 17, 2004

I could really go for some sake right now.
Yes, I could, because right now, my grandmother is playing BLUEGRASS MUSIC at an intolerably loud volume. I've got Disturbed blaring in my headphones right now, and I can still hear the yodeling and fiddling. It's enough to drive a guy insane...

In other news, my day's been the same as usual. I'd bore the reader of my rants with, well, another rant, but I'd be boring you. Go figure. :D (Personally, I'd much rather use myOtaku as a posting grounds for my beliefs on certain subjects at times, as well as a 'journal' of sorts.)

Ugh, the bluegrass is killing me. I'm finding it difficult to blog, even. (In other news, I'm surprised I've received no feedback on nearly any of the politico-moral posts I've made. Hint-hint.)

Itte ki masu, catch you later, and may the Force be with you. (Goodbye just doesn't cut it anymore.)
Comments (0) | Permalink