Night Out on The Town

It's rare that I get to hang out with my old FCUK crew and many of them I haven't seen in months, but usually in February we all get together for one of my old managers birthdays - my utterly, fabolous home-girl, Asia. This month was no different. I hadn't seen Asia (pronounced Ah`sha) since July and she just started working at a new and seriously fabulous job. (I am going to see how many times I can use fabulous in this blog) I ran into some other people I use to work with on Friday and they put me on to the plans. I was going to surprise Asia and just show up for her birthday, since I hadn't spoken to her in like forever, but she ruined the surprise by actually calling me and asking me to go out with everyone. We got caught up quickly and she let me know where we were all going to meet up.

So later on that evening I ventured out into the cold ass night, (it was like 12 degrees that night) and headed out to the Meatpacking District to CELLO. I've never been there before and it took me forever to find the place in the freezing cold, only to pay a whole $20 bucks to get in, even though there was a list and all that didn't get me much, but a chance to watch drunken, white chicks in low-rise denim and really bad sequence tops be as fabulous as they can be. (I'm up to 3 times.) I did have fun there. Liqour was free thanks to Asia's boyfriend, Charles. Grey Goose is evil. I also met this guy named Pete. Pete's a comedian who specializes in sketch comedy. He was in town pitching some ideas for LOGO, which I think is awesome and makes me want to work/pitch some tv ideas I've had sitting in my computer for the longest. The wheels are turning now, but anyway. CELLO was cool, but after awhile died out. We headed a few blocks away to the exclusive VENTO, where when we walk in, and standing by the door was Cuba Gooding Jr. I immediately made an ass out myself, due to my drinking, and I screamed out something to effect of and in my best white boy impersonation, "Show me the money, dude!". I was then dragged away never to see Cuba again. Someone did tell me he was spotted in the bathroom later on.

I chatted with my only FCUK mates and got all caught up, but soon realized it was getting rather late and I didn't want to be on the train at like 6:00am, so I hoped in a cab back to Union Square and took my back home to Calle Sequenta y Seis.

Me,Asia and Andrea

Christina,Zack,Asia,Franklyn & Andrea

Me & Pete

Me,Pete & Franklyn

Movie Review: Final Destintion 3

The first time, death found them.
The next time, death warned them.
This time death will finish them.

Not unlike the Scream Trilogy, the Final Destination series does the most it can with the overall fucked up situation the characters find themselves in. However, this isn’t just stop the guy with the knife, this is how do you stop something you can’t touch or feel? Final Destination is your typical horror movie. It’s a different movie all together. This supernatural thriller has it’s own bed and it sleeps high above the others as a movie which is so over the top with its brand of death, I don’t know how after 2 movies a 3rd was made and delivered to us this month.

Final Destination has always been simple, but yet complex. When I first saw it, I felt it was a different horror movie. The main character of the first film and a handful of others frantically depart a jetliner minutes before it exploded upon takeoff because he envisioned the catastrophe. Because the passengers were supposed to die on the plane, “Death” comes for them in the order they would have perished had they remained on the plane. We soon realize that whomever's next on the list can be saved at the last second, if someone else intervenes and pushes them out of the line so to speak, but it's only a temporary thing as each original survivor realizes that they can’t cheat death no matter what. It’s all a part of Death’s Design. FD2 is about another group of people, who have to endure the same fate, when the main character envisions a fatal wreck on an interstate and blocks the onramp with her car. This time they figure out “Death” is a not forgiving and not easily figured out and thus kills the survivors in reverse. (Death gave them the finger.) However, all can be saved if a new life is brought to the world in exchange for one that left or if the main character pretends to die but is brought back to life thus fooling Death. They got around it. See simple yet complex, albeit a far stretch, but yet no different than say a maniacal, dream demon with knives for fingers, but we can believe in that.

Set six years after the original Final Destination film, FD3, the latest (or perhaps last) installment of the series, centers around Wendy, a high school senior who has a premonition of a fatal roller coaster accident involving herself and all her friends. When the premonition comes true, those who have 'cheated death' and survived the accident are forced to deal with the repercussions of escaping their fate once again. FD3 moves along like the others. A truly, horrific and big disaster in the beginning sets the mood of the FD movies (and is its claim to fame) and then trying to figure out how to cheat death later. Without trying to deal with continuity and connection efforts to pass movies, the original film was reference perhaps a few times with a remembrance of Flight 180, but mysteriously not the second movie. Ryan, her dead boyfriend’s best friend, remembers Flight 180 six years ago and did some digging on the internet for it to make her seem less crazy or at least find a way to figure out how to stop what was happening. Wendy inexplicably figures out that the clues to how everyone will die are in the pictures she took with her camera for the yearbook Thus the craziness ensues and she and Kevin run around trying to save the classmates who got off the roller coaster with them.

You know a movie does its job, when after you leave the movie you get spooked to hell for no reason. After Scream, I jumped when the phone rang. After Final Destination, I thought planes would blow up all over the place. Those movie set standards in a genre that has had its ups and downs over the last few decades. You’ve heard me say this before. However, FD3 does it again, by taking the little things we take for granted and giving them fatal impressions. Who knew tanning could be so dangers, as two girls found out. That was just one testament to the fact that Death’s Design Mechanic is sick. The writers, of all three films, James Wong and Glen Morgan should be commended on finding new, innovative and utterly insane ways someone could die. They’re gruesome and funny and downright cruel at times. I loved every minute of it. The FD series has this creepy atmosphere, and at this point you’d think you’d have everything figured out. You can see the deaths coming from a mile away by a third movie right? Nope. Not this one. FD3’s charm comes in the surprise of how vague the photos are and having Wendy and Ryan figure out death’s design and save their friends. Plus Death is so fucking and awesomely mean. The gore factor has shot way up in this one, and it actually is rather funny. I know one is not supposed to laugh at something like this, but the FD series is not a typical slasher movie, since its slasher is not even on the screen. The film’s major star was Death. The way each character died was more brutal than what would have happened to them originally. It spooked you to think that the little things can start a chain of events that could lead to your death. FD2 soon followed with a larger and more complex disaster (a highway pileup, like I’ve never seen), it was more comical in tone, a different twist in death’s design, and a bunch of witty characters thrown together due to the evil situation they’re in. I loved this one too. And yes, the death toll was larger (as most sequels will have) and more elaborate. However, I was a little miffed at the fact that they didn’t mention the events of FD2, but that was so minor, I got over it very quickly. Also, try to overlook or not be distracted by the big, WB production teenagers in this movie. You know who they’re major targets are the Rory Gilmores of the world who will watch these movies every Halloween and slumber party thereafter.

Either way, Final Destination is a classic trilogy now, just due to the nature of the movies. It fed into your basic fears of intuition and gut feelings and whether or not to trust them. FD3 touches on a big fear, not unlike the fear of flying, but roller coasters have been known to cause stress with people who are afraid of them. This is a testament to this. I’ve seen girls freak out on line, just waiting to get on the ride. It’s a combination of things, the speed, the height and the spinning/turning. Either way, FD3 will scare you, just from the roller coaster scene itself.

If you’re a fan of the FD series or horror in general, check this movie out!

A Mood

An exerpt:

Nobody's Listening
Meteora
Linkin Park

Tried to give you warning
But everyone ignores me
(Told you everything loud and clear)
But nobody’s listening

Call to you so clearly
But you don’t want to hear me
(Told you everything loud and clear)
But nobody’s listening

Not American Idol Material

Five hundred, twenty five thousand,six-hundred minutes.
How do you measure, measure that I can't sing?

Yes folks, that's my latest track "Seasons of Dre" from my "Just Dre" 2006 Tour. Just kidding. I am still feeling the after-effects of my awesome night of Karoake I had last night. I joined Kenny and about 7 other co-workers of his for a fun night of bad-singing and utter fun. We went to this place called Toto Music Studio, in Korea Town over on 32nd and Broadway. I've never heard of an afterhours karoake place, because we sure got there close to midnight to sing out of tune and drink and be merry. We get there with food and booze in tow to a really funny set-up of karoake silos, if you will. There are room set up all over the floor for private parties to sing their heartout to sound re-enforced walls. The room was pretty large with couches, tables, song books, disco lights and a sound system. It was pretty intense actually. So after a drink or so, I warmed up. We didn't do individual songs, but songs we all knew and could sing together. It was better this way, because there's no stranger gawking at you and judging you. Then I started seeing songs that I knew and could sing all by lonely.

I belted out hits such as:

1999 - Prince
Don't Leave Me This Way - Thelma Houston
Rumors - Lindsay Lohan
Someday - Sugar Ray
Lost In You - Chris Gaines/Garth Brooks
The Cup of Life (The Spanglish version) - Ricky Martin

After a few more drinks had gone down, I was amply tipsy and just downright funny. Our fun lasted a few hours and before I knew it, it was going on 2 am and right before I was going to do my stirring rendition of Meatloaf's, I Would Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That), we had to go. Oh well, maybe another time. I would definitely go back and recommend this to everyone. It's big fun and really inexpensive too. Kenny said I didn't sound too bad on some songs and I don't believe him at all. I was so horrible. Just look. I won't be auditioning for American Idol. Not even if I have those dreams of being this decades Tevin Campbell, but about 3 degrees gayer.

For The Geek In Me

This is my silent protest or super-rant of the new X-Men movie,
X3: The Last Stand coming out this summer. I am not sure I want to see it. I am a diehard X-Men fan as anyone who knows will me say. Just ask my roommate, he'll tell you. I just have my reservations.

I know I shouldn't buy into the fore-hype of this movie, but since I am a movie nut and I frequent the Ain't It Cool News website daily, I forced myself to. I want this movie to be good. I really do. The first two movies were excellent and I have high hopes for X3. New mutants are being introduced (Beast and Angel) and other cameo-based mutants are getting larger parts (Colossus, Shadowcat, and Siryn). However, from preliminary reviews, pre-screening reports and on-set photos, I have found that my favorite X-Man of all: Scott Summers a.k.a. Cyclops, does not have a lot of screen time in this one.

Why you might ask, because they kill him! That's why!

Sorry if I ruined that for anyone who's going to see it. I know it's a movie and all, but I am sincerely moved by this. I've been reading alot of rumors of why this is happening. Most notably, it's because the man at the helm, the director and executive producer Brett Ratner, wanted him dead "because it was good for the story". Bullshit! And who kills you say, Jean Grey - his freakin' girlfriend!!!! What the fuck is right! Again, I am sorry if I ruined this for anyone, but I am upset. Another rumor I heard was that he had little screen time, because he was filming Superman Returns at the same time, which would make sense, but don't kill him off. It's the worse idea since having that god awful wig and accent from Halle Berry's Storm in the first movie!

Cyclops has never died in the comics, so why in the hell would you do it on the big screen? Being the leader of the X-Men, you'd think he deserves dignity, respect and some ample screen time. This whole franchise has become the Wolverine Show! I love Hugh Jackman. In many ways he was born to play Wolverine, but I guess they couldn't have an X-Men movie without the world's favorite claw-totting mutant stealing the spotlight. Let's save that for his own movie, not in the movie where it's more than him okay! The producers should be shot, no, Marvel should be flogged with a hollow-bambo cane for allowing this to happen. Let's face it, I doubt you'll see any other X-Men when his solo movie comes out.

But back to my original point - why o why o why o why o why do they have to do this?! Not Cyclops. He's one of the five original X-Man; Wolverine isn't! So here is my silent protest and a classic comic line - NOOOOOOOOOOO!

THIS MOVIE WILL DESTROY THE FRANCHISE!!!!!! Mark my words.

In an effort to not sound bitter....

It's all over the place. The hearts, the chocolates, the teddy bears, the colors and the flowers. This may come as a shock to some, but I am not a big fan of Valentine's Day. Yes me, the helpless and hopeless romantic. And it's not because I've had a bad experience with it. It's just that I hate the holiday. It's the one-day of the year where everyone gets stupid, lonely, depressed, and suicidal. Hmmm, that could be said for Christmas too, but Valentine's Day makes you feel like crap for not having someone special in your life at that given time or day. It makes me growl and grit my teeth. Mainly it’s the over exposure of the holiday. I don’t want to give in to the anxiety and demand of it all. I’ve learned my lessons thus far, so if you're reading this please excuse my lack of exhuberance and zeal on the matter.

If you have someone in your life, that's great, but to act like a fool to make everything perfect is a little extreme to me. I know it's been happening since the holiday began, but yet after all the spending, the caring and attention to detail, there's still some sort of issue lurking. Don't get me wrong, there have been Valentine's which have been perfect and beautiful. I've enjoyed a few myself, but what I've also witnessed is this weird mishagosh of excitement and dread in this holiday and I've seen this repeatedly in past relationships and with close friends. Valentine's Day can go smoothly or become a disaster, thus setting the tone for the next few months. It can be about the perfect gift, the right mood, the right time, the right place – which could turn out stellar. There's a lot of factors involved to make this holiday a good one and I think many of us have a handle on it or if not getting there. There's also a necessity for undue pressure to add to the day's activities. In fact one could say the entire relationship in general are in some ways decided on whether how good or how bad this day goes. Ultimately, I think Valentine’s Day is also the biggest source of cynicism in one’s character, if left unchecked. Just ask yourself to see.

I do however have a wicked story to share. Picture it. Sicily…I mean um Brooklyn. 1994. It was my junior year in high school and Valentine’s Day was here. I was currently dating a girl (yeah me, with a girl - who knew!) I got her flowers, candy, a balloon, a large teddy bear, and an even larger card. Lugged all of this stuff on the B46 bus. If you’ve ever been on this bus you know how uncomfortable it is to travel with all types of shit with you. So anyways. I get to school, I put this stuff in her locker so she would have it when she gets to school. Later on that day, she breaks up with me. She also tells me she met someone else. Needless to say I got into a huge fight with her in the lunchroom. I then proceed to throw everything I brought for directly at her. Threw the roses in her face. Said some really choice colorful words, especially for a Catholic High School kid. I was dragged off by the wrestling coach to calm down. I felt like it was such as wasted effort. Needless to say, I didn’t let that affect my Valentine’s Day, but it’s a memory of how bad things can get. So yes, I have some reservations about the day, but nothing scarring.

In my mind I know it can be hateful and scornful holiday, which good/bad memories will linger upon, but it can be a good one as well.

If you care about the person you're with, than that's awesome. If you don't have someone in your life, learn to love yourself and not hate that everyone else is in love. Valentine’s Day should be about affirmation and love for everyone, not just the person you’re with, but for friends and family as well. Make Valentine’s Day enjoyable wherever you are. Treat yourself to a day, if possible. Try not to be moppy or sad you don’t have anyone to cuddle with or kiss, it’s not the end of the world and it’s not the end of your dating career. Look forward to the possibility that next year can be different. It’s all about the forward thinking.

I have no idea where this post went, but I hope it made sense.

Happy Valentine’s Day Everyone!

That guy from Rent can't afford an iPod?

Last night, I went going to see an advanced screening of Failure to Launch. The new Sarah Jessica Parker/Matthew MaCougnhey movie, which was actually good by the way.

Anyway, I take the A train, since I have to meet Kenny at the Loews Theater at 34th and 8th. I get to the train station, but just missed it, since I had to battle my way down the steps, but luckily the signal went off that an F train was pulling in soon, so I'd take that to West 4th and then transfer. As I walk down the platform, right next to the newstand was Anthony Rapp.

If you don't know who he is, he played Mark in the original Broadway production of Rent as well as in the movie version just recently. And if you still don't know him, he also played Daryl, the nosey neighbor in Adventures in Babysitting with Elizabeth Shue. It's a great movie from the late 80s and if you don't know it - you need to.

So I am all like, "Wow! You're Anthony Rapp! You were awesome in Rent!", to which he replies, "Thanks man that means alot." The train pulls in, "I gotta go.", he says. "Have a good one!" I told him the same and we go towards separate cars, but as the train is pulling in and the doors are opening, I noticed that he pulls out a CD player and switches CDs. For some reason I was slightly stunned by this.

I automatically thought to myself, "Anthony Rapp can't afford and iPod?!" "Where'd his rent money go?" Then I laughed at the absurdity and the irony of the statement I just made. But it just seems really odd that someone like him, an actor since the age of like six, wouldn't have an iPod, especially when you're still living in NYC and taking the subway. It's almost necessary.

Things that make you go hmmmm hmmmm hmmmmmmmm.

P.S. I apologize for my blatant C+C Music Factory referrence, but I had to do it.

Anthony Rapp singing La Vie Boheme

Secrets of a Millionaire Mind

This #1 NY Times Best Seller book was given to me as a present, because the person knew what a tough time I was going through financially and he had heard from a few friends how much this book had helped them, so he felt I would benefit from it too. Thus Secrets of the Millionaire Mind was mine to explore. I was a little weary about reading it, because I have never been the one to succumb to the "Self-Help" books that are everywhere, like "Living and Breathing for Dummies". I know several of them have been very successful, like "He's Just Not That Into You", which I still want to read, but I don't know if it was written with a gay man involved, but it still seems interesting enough. I think I purchased one Dr. Phil book 2 years ago, but he made me feel so bad, I couldn't finish the book without being angry at every new revelation.

However, this one seemed very interesting and a good thing, not too long. This book is designed so that we begin to think wealthy. Thinking wealthy is an elevated form of self-motivation and that if we think like richer people, we will become rich ourselves. The author has a very cutting edge and street-smarts way of explaining things, which is a great refresh from harsh business terms and lingo. A large part of what I am reading so far is purely psychological based fact finding and acquiring the right state of mind to make, handle and manage money better. I'm still in the beginning, but I do have to say so far that it's been an eye opener. The gist so far is that we all have a money blueprint, but it's not working or we don't have one. Much of not having this so called money blueprint contributes to a general conditioning when it comes to money, whether it's making it, spending it or saving it - and that much of it comes from what we grew up with: mainly our parents conditioned us to money matters and that we in some way, adopt the same techniques without even knowing it.

The first part of the book is acknowledging this conditioning and finding out where it began for you. Once we learn our conditioning we can being to reprogram that same conditioning in reverse to make it work for us no matter the income we have, thus getting a better money blueprint. It comes down to our thinking. Changing our "inner world" so that our "outer world" is better. (Yeah, I know it sounds like rich people psycho babble.) I for one was completely shocked and I never really noticed that I was doing exactly what my mom did or still does in managing her money. Without getting too involved, I learned that I move from one money instance to the next. Either living from paycheck to paycheck or waiting for some big money issuance (i.e. yearly tax returns or birthday money). I already knew I was either spending more or breaking even in the money I make. I also realized that my worse enemy is my paycheck. That's not a direct pick-up from the book, I am making my own conclusions here.

The book is definitely a good read, but I do have a slight complaint. Every so often the author of the book will mention seminars that expand on what's talking about, so he won't exactly go too in-depth on a topic, but gives you just enough to get the gears moving. It all feels like a marketing ploy just to get to the seminars. He often says how people go to the seminars and are better off for it, but for those who get the book, we're just getting half the reasoning we seek.

However, I can honestly recommend this book to anyone who's looking to get their finances in order. I haven't finished, but when I do, you'll be the first to know.

That Damn Kayne West New Workout Plan

My name is Lassandra, and I just want to say since listenin' to Kanye's workout tape I was able to get my phone bill paid, I got sounds and 13's put on my cavalier and I was able to get a free trip to Cancun. And what's most importantly is that I ain't gotta fuck wit Ray Ray's broke ass no mo'

I joke about this phrase all the time, but that's what I said my first month in the gym.

It's been close to a year since I embarked on a healthier and fit existence. I had some bumps in the road along the way, like the Holidays and traveling alot, but I think I am getting back on track with my dieting and weight training. I slacked off and lost my resolve for a hot minute and I kept yo-yo-ing with weight. I'd gain a few pounds, loose a few pounds. I fell into a slight rut, but I got back on track recently and I am happy that I am. I still retained much of what I had gained, so now that I am back in the gym, I feel tighter and stronger, albeit sore as all hell too.

After doing some research on how I can improve my weightlifting methods and acheive more muscle, I've dediced to up my weights to build more muscle and needless to say, it's a process. I even took up an Abs class to assist in that area as well. I've been looking to get into a higher and more intense workout. I don't feel as scrawny as I used to when I first started. I actually had another guy at the gym compliment me on my progress. (He spotted me on tuesday with a heavy lift.) He's a regular member and I see him everyday, but we've never spoke. I mean once you've seen a stranger naked, is there much to say to each other afterwards? I didn't think so. However, he gave me a few pointers while he popped his pecs. I couldn't help, but stare at him a short time after, because his body was dope. (Yes I know, 1987 called and they called and they want their word back.) Now he smiles and silently acknowledges me in the weightroom. That's cool.

All in all, I have a goal. By April I want to be ripped or at least half ripped. I think I can do it with some serious determination, great dieting and a workout regiment worthy of me.

Wow - that was a seriously fuckin positive affirmation. Self actualization. Hpmh. Who knew? =)

Movie Review: Underworld: Evolution

The Vampire film genre is one that has been a constant source of bad movies from time to time in Hollywood. There are a few standout flicks like Bram Stroker’s Dracula, Interview With A Vampire, The Lost Boys and maybe From Dusk ‘til Dawn and then just perhaps the Blade franchise. You’ve got some cheesy ones in there too, like Fright Night which was total 80’s crap, but fun to watch or the horrible, Vampire in Brooklyn with Eddie Murphy and I refuse to get into how universally bad Queen of the Damned was. (Still have a bad taste in my mouth for that one.) Ultimately, vampire movies are often looked as a joke. They’ll never do any better than previous films, no matter what. However, with the Underworld series, the creators/producers have weaved a mythology unlike most movies – and it’s a really good one.

Underworld: Evolution is the prequel/sequel to Underworld. The reason I say it’s a prequel/sequel, because there’s a juicy flashback scene in the movie opening that gives us important background information that we didn’t have before regarding the Death Dealers (Vampires) and the Lycans (Werewolves). The flashback uses some of the characters from the first movie (Viktor and Amelia) to show how threaten the vampires were of the Lycan presence. It also showed the progenitor, William spread a more ferocious Lycan throughout the country. Evolution then moves right where the first one ended, Selene is on the run from her own kind, having killed vampire elder Viktor. Selene knows that with him dead, Marcus (he was in Blade 2 as a vampire as well), the last remaining elder, will seek some sort of revenge/retribution for doing so. She’s also concerned for her new companion Michael, who has been turned into a vampire/lycan hybrid. Before long, Selene discovers that the lies she was told by Viktor go far beyond the slaying of her family, and the fate of mankind may very well depend on her. Cool huh?

Evolution is definitely a larger step for the series. It’s better, but not bigger. This isn’t a new story. This is a continuation of the first movie and not an entirely new movie with a new plot. The plot’s still the same, it’s still unraveling and not stand alone as most sequels would do. We understand more. Building on the foundations of the first film, Underworld Evolution delves deeper into the vampire/lycan war, slowly unraveling several secrets. The pacing is not really slow, there’s a building momentum with every revelation. Soon, it becomes evident that there is more to Marcus’ pursuit of Selene than answering for Viktor’s death. The filmmakers come up with a clever way of tying her into the war between the vampires and lycans, going beyond simple revenge. Whereas the first film seemed focused on Michael’s importance to the lycans, it is interesting to see how the focus has somewhat shifted to Selene. Also intriguing is seeing how elements of the first film that may have seemed trivial, are incorporated into Evolution. The end result is a film that is surprisingly more story-driven than the original.

When I first saw the original Underworld, I was blown away. I loved the characters, the atmosphere, the action and really the story. It was different and I liked that. It was a tremendous addition to the Vampire oeuvre. (Who would have thought that I could use a word like that?) What really blew me away was that I had written something like Underworld in college for a creative writing class, which my teacher told me was great, but “unbelievable”. I kept the idea to myself and expanded on it a little, but it was so underdeveloped that I just left alone. So when Underworld came out several years later, I said “Ain’t this 'bout a bitch?!” Underworld was radically different than my story, but I liked their concept better and it’s amazing that this hadn’t been done before. Vampires versus Werewolves in a war for domination. Sick. This was a fan boy’s dream, one of which my roommate and I theorized endlessly about in college.

As far as filmmaking goes, gone are the blue hues from he first film that permeated the atmosphere. It seemed like everything was in perpetual moonlight. That’s gone from this movie, due to much of the movie happening above ground. There are still scenes that utilize the color treatment, but not many. As far as action is concerned, Evolution pushes the envelope as well. The first was produced with stabbings and gun shot wounds and a beheading at the end. Evolution has gore abound. The film opens with a seriously bloody flashback scene involving a battle between the vampires and the lycans. The film is ultimately more violent than the original, with several more hand-to-hand fight scenes, often resulting in far more gruesome deaths, mostly from Michael. There was a large reliance on CGI in Underworld, but with Evolution, there’s a focus on practical effects, with more elaborate body suits for the lycans, including Marcus’ brother William, and more detailed make-up effects for Michael in his hybrid form. Equally impressive is the blending of CGI and make-up effects for Marcus, who can take to the skies as a terrifying man-bat creature.

Kate Beckinsale is still a badass as Selene. I was so happy we got see her character grow and show vulnerabilities, especially with her growing affections for Michael. You gotta love that profile nudity. Scott Speedman (aka nice buttman) shines the most when his character changes into hybrid form. He’s wicked when he rips off his shirts because he knows he’s about to throw down! After that he’s gives us more of the “deer in the headlights” acting range. Tony Curran immerses himself in the role of Marcus, playing him as a seriously ruthless individual. I loved it. He showed his contempt for later generations of vampires with actions, more so than words.

Evolution answers a lot of questions, but raises new ones and challenges how we originally thought about the preternatural mechanics of the vampire and werewolf, which would also make great backstories as well. This is what sets these movies apart from the rest. It took Anne Rice over a dozen books to establish something this grand in fashion and here we have it with just a few movies. Even more so, Rice’s presence was felt when Selene has to take the blood of an elder immortal to do battle with Marcus. Overall, the film is wildly entertaining. If you’re a lover of both genres, you’ll simply love this movie. Its story is more involving and engrossing, allowing Selene and Michael to grow as characters, while the action and effects have stepped up considerably. It’s a supernatural Romeo and Juliet I think.

The only question now is how long do I have to wait for Underworld 3.

So far this week...

This has been a wierd, but good week so far. I am still recooperating from my roommate's party this weekend, but I thought it would be a normal week. Nope. Not at all.

It started on Monday. When to much chagrin, I had that often-hated annual review I get at my job. You know what I am talking about? The weird course correction meeting which can serve as your worse nightmare or your salvation. So it was to my surprise that I had a good review this time. I did last year, but they made me take a written communications class. The review was good. Actually it was pretty fuckin stellar. I got 3's and 4's across the board. I met expecations and I have excelled in expecations respectively. This resulted in me getting a raise and a promotion - I am now an Associate Graphic Designer. Go me! Go me! It's been a rough year and I think I am deservant of it.

I also had my first day of class on Monday, which was funny actually. The teacher decided it would be really fun to get all of us to get to know each other. Since at one point in the class, we'll be participating in a group project. I had to introduce myself to the rest of the class, which was hysterical, because I was being my natural funny self and I generated some smiles, so I was good. The class doesn't appear to be hard one. In fact my teacher is kind of odd and will more than likely pass everyone just to get a good rep. This is his second semester teaching at Baruch. I am one of the oldest people in there and one of two people who have goen back to school after such a long hiatus. So I don't feel that out of place, but what I do feel odd about is all the youngins running around that place. I feel like an old man. There are definitely hotties on campus, and I have eyed a couple checking me out, but none of them are in my class. LOL

Wednesday later on I went back to my lawyers to deal with my re-evaulation for my bankruptcy proceedings. To my surprise the laws have changed drastically and I might not be able to go through with it. It appears I make too much money to do it now. Oddly enough, I never have any, so I wonder who the hell made that decision. There's a new thing called a Means Test where you have to prove your circumstances, but there are certain criteria I have to meet, like not making over a certain amount of money or not having enough money monthly. My re-evaluation is costing me $150 and since the laws went up, so did my lawyers retainer fee and court filing. I dont have the ends to front him, so Profina Debt Management Solutions here I come. One good thing, I get my money back minus the re-evaluation fee.

I am doing my taxes this week, it looks like I am going to have a decent return and like any good American owe the goverment back taxes, so I'll probably break even.

All in all I have to say it's been an interesting week so far. I just want to relax this weekend and veggitate.

Back To School

Well it’s official kids, I am a college student again. I have successfully enrolled at Baruch College last week and suffice to say it wasn’t as bad as I thought. I had all of these worries and trepidation leading up to that point and it was very satisfying that I was able to get through this without a horror story. It went very smooth.

So since it’s been several years since I was in school, I was a little nervous about how everything would play out. The memories of standing on line after line was the most prevalent and I didn’t want to go through that and I really didn’t. I went through the Bursar’s Office and Registration in a heartbeat. I think it contributes to the fact that I am taking a night time course.

I did feel odd going back. Everyone there was so young and vibrant and college studenty. I was the older dude now. The dude trying to make something of himself after a long time and I quickly spotted more like me so I felt great.

I am excited. This is a big, dragon for me to slay because of how I’ve felt over the years and the constant pushing I would receive from friends and would just either brush it off or just sweep it under the rug. I want to do this now. I’m a super senior, with a seven year hiatus, but I think that works for me, because I am not thinking of this as just something that I can do – I am thinking of it as something I need to do and it’s important to me that I accomplish this.

Thinking about finally getting my degree after all this time feels fantastic and I can’t wait. After this is done, I am thinking of going back for a design degree. Who knows the possibilities are endless.