Go see this masterpiece.  Now.  It surpassed all my expectations.  It is the greatest superhero movie, and one of the greatest films, period.

Forbid the United States ever pass legislation recognizing English as the official language of the United States.  How terrible would that be?  People communicating easier, language barriers broken down, oh the horror! We’ve seen first hand countries such as Brazil (Portuguese), Italy (Italian), Jordan (Arabic), and Taiwan(Mandarin) collapse from within after recognizing an official language.  Obama’s nailed it again, this guy’s a genius:

Forget the economy, forget Iraq, forget oil prices and taxes.  It is far too embarassing for an American to only speak english.  I really hope the government gets involved soon and forces us to learn more foreign languages.  We can’t stand the embarassment much longer.

If anybody can’t read this cause they only speak Spanish, I’m sure Obama would love to translate for you.

Renting movies used to be the funnest thing in the world. The sense of awe and wonder one gets from browsing a video store as a child is an amazing feeling. Before Blockbusters and Hollywood Video’s took over the globe, small mom and pop video stores absolutely owned these large chains. They had movies that weren’t released in theaters, that won no oscars, got no publicity, but still managed to garner a large cult following among movie buffs and geeks. If there was one local business I would choose to reopen in Sanger, it would be Jensen Video. They reigned supreme in cult cinema.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the disappointment I’ve faced going to rent movies. I have come up with the following theory: If it did not make $100 million in its’ box office run, neither Blockbuster or Hollywood Video will carry it. I understand Netflix and Blockbuster online now account for a large portion of the movie rental industry, but when it comes down to it, a vast amount of people still physically go into a store to search for a film. Before I turned 16, I did not care too much for films. I didn’t know who Dario Argento, Akira Kurosawa, or Wes Anderson were. I did not care. Then some friends starting letting me borrow movies. From Evil Dead 2, to Ringu, to Riki-Oh, to Versus, to Dawn of the Dead, to Suspiria, I felt reborn! This same year I discovered imdb, which is still one of the greatest websites of all time. I spent hours upon hours reading and researching movies. Movies I had never heard of before, and some I didn’t even think existed, or should exist. I felt like I was a kid again, browsing the largest video store in the world. At the same time, Jensen Video enacted their now infamous rental policy: 5 movies, 5 dollars, 5 days. I do not know how many rentals I accumulated, but I’d like to think it was in the 100’s. The best thing about Jensen Video was they carried the rare, cult movies that you could not find at a chain store. When I began working at Jensen Video in June 2002, I was in heaven (the job was actually terrible, but the rentals were enough to off-set it.) Where else could you find the original, uncut version of Dead Alive? Or original copies of The Vanishing, or Cinema Paradiso? Too bad the store had to close 3 months after I began working there. I carry those memories in a locket close to my heart.

I understand most people who read this blog probably don’t care, or even took time to read all of it. Bottom line is, movie stores are just not fun anymore. Why? Because they only rent hits. No thank you, but I’ll take one copy of the masterpiece Les Diabolique over 250, guaranteed in stock copies of Norbit. But the masses have spoken, and they’d rather watch crap than take the effort to research a movie they’d actually enjoy. How else would Wild Hogs open at number one at the box office last year?

So if anyone knows where I can find these movies (Tenebre, Deep Red, Don’t Look Now) I would be much obliged. Hollywood Video used to carry them, but no longer do. Sad, isn’t it? I’m such a victim.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080707/ap_en_mu/people_jack_white

Who honestly cares?

I literally sit around all day looking for the best version of this Leonard Cohen classic. I think everyone in the world has covered this song at some point in their life. I’ve heard Leonard’s verison, Rufus’s version, Jeff Buckley’s version, Cale’s version from Shrek, Phil Wickham’s version (which I didnt really care for) and so on and so forth. But there are two I particularly like. The first is by some woman named ‘Angelou.’ No, not Maya. I’ve only seen it on itunes, but it is great. It is essentialy Buckley’s version with a woman singing, and 2 steps higher, but it gets me every time. Download it if you can. The other version is by some weird looking Norweigan dudes (apparently one of them won World Idol) But the simplicity of it is really nice, though short. Check it out.

I also found this one earlier today. I think they succeed in making it their own. It’s not perfect, but pretty refreshing.

I’m sure there are tons I have missed. Which versions do YOU like to listen to?

Bought our tickets on Saturday.  Friday, July 18th.  12:01am.  Fresno IMAX Theater.

The story continues…

]]> http://seanmunoz.wordpress.com/2008/06/30/what-a-knight-it-will-be/feed/ seanamunoz http://seanmunoz.wordpress.com/2008/06/26/cause-for-celebration/ http://seanmunoz.wordpress.com/2008/06/26/cause-for-celebration/#comments Thu, 26 Jun 2008 05:27:00 +0000 seanamunoz http://seanmunoz.wordpress.com/?p=90

Full story here

On Friday, Randy informed me that Presidential Candidate John McCain would be holding an open Town Hall meeting here in glorious Fresno, CA. Being the firm Republican I am, but still not entirely sold on McCain as my choice for president, I felt it would be a great experience to attend and hear what he had to say about certain issues in person. And when would another a presidential candidate visit Fresno?

After driving around west Fresno for about 20 minutes, and realizing Fresno State’s website had given bogus directions, I arrived at the Satellite Student Union Building. I was able to chat it up with some other proud repubs, many of whom had traveled from all over the valley to come hear McCain. Randy showed up right before I made it to the door, and we were in. We noticed one of our friends was working event staff, and he asked if we would like to sit on the stage….um, yes please! The day suddenly took a turn for the better!

We had the best seats in the house. Here’s a few glimpses from my view (some of the pictures are bad, they’re all from my phone):

the podium!

stage right

stage left

Alan Autry and other Fresno big-wigs

After sitting on stage for an hour, and having some nice conversations with those around me, John McCain took the stage, gave a speech, and proceeded with the town hall meeting. It was great to be up close and personal with all the action. The meeting was aired on Fox News, CNN, KSEE 24, and ABC30.com. I am on a few clips on CNN’s website, as well as this clip here (I am literally behind McCain as the video begins, and as the camera pans out I’m there in the green shirt.)

Here’s a pic of the man himself

a very blurry John McCain

After he answered the final question, I got to shake his hand! Even though that’s really bad, you can see how close I was. It was truly an amazing day. He answered the questions fairly, dealt with opposition in a very classy and respectful manner, and presented himself as very knowledgeable and prepared to deal with all issues. Even though I don’t agree with all he stands for, he earned my respect for putting himself out there in service for our country.

Here’s one final pic, as he left the building

boo-yeah

This is one for the ages. What a great day.

*** UPDATE - My dad informed me this morning that there is a picture of me shaking John’s hand (I call him John now) in the ‘Local and State’ section of the Fresno Bee. Check it out if you can!