What does this say about me?

I subscribe to and read the following magazines :

Rolling Stone

Men's Health

Wired

Vanity Fair

US

Technical Analysis of Stocks & Commodities

Futures

Trader

M.I.A.

A pretty cool article on M.I.A.

http://www.spin.com/articles/understanding-mia-5-things-you-need-know?page=0%2C0&utm_source=newsletter072010&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter072010

Thanksgiving 2009

Been a LONG a$$ time since I posted.

I am so thankful for my beautiful family. The Lord has been kind and generous to me. I am thankful for the family I was born into, and the awesome family I married into. I am grateful for lifelong friends I've known since Riverton, Utah days, and I am grateful for the many great friends I've made living in Iowa and Arizona. I am thankful to live in the country. No matter how much we all complain, we still have it 10x better than those in most countries. I'm grateful for second chances, forgiveness, and generosity. I'm trying to get better at this stuff myself, but very grateful that we can continue to live and learn. Enjoy this day, you never know when an ass troid will hit the planet and disintigrate us all :).

Jumper

Title - Jumper
Rating - PG-13
Actors - Hayden Christensen, Samuel L. Jackson, Jamie Bell, Rachel Bilson, Diane Lane
Directed By- Doug Liman
Recommendation? On DVD. . . Don't Bother
Length - 1 hour 28 minutes

The movie has a cool premise. A young guy can skip to literally wherever he wants, whenever he wants. He has a sweet New York City Penthouse, can eat lunch on top of a sphinx in Egypt, and enter exit any bank vault when he needs a little 'cash'.

A policeman of sorts, Samuel L. Jackson, is sent to hunt and track the 'Jumpers' of the world in order to restore order in the world.

The movie is pretty BORING. Hayden Christensen is a terrible actor. If it wasn't for the Star Wars franchise, he may never work again. He sucks. The movie is rated PG-13 because in one scene Samuel Jackson 'guts' a "Jumper" with a knife as he's strung up in a tree. You would think a movie staring Samuel L. Jackson would contain a string of 'F' bombs, but there aren't any.

The movie had promise. I like the idea. But, for whatever reason this cast and director could not pull it off.

I give it 2.5 stars out of five. Don't waste your time.

Kung FU Panda

Title - Kung Fu Panda
Rating - PG
Actors - Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen
Directed By- Mark Osborne, John Stevenson
Recommendation? In theatres. . .WAIT for DVD. Unless, you MUST go to a kid's movie
Length - 1 hour 32 minutes

A kid's movie. You know the drill. This movie is good, nothing sensational. As we move farther into the millennium, the graphics and colors in these computer animated movies become more and more spectacular.

Jack Black is the main character. He puts his own 'Jack Black' spin on this chubby, lovable Panda. The movie does have some funny moments, and over all the movie is entertaining.

But. . . . when did "going to a movie" begin to compare to going to a concert? Holy hell! I took myself, my 10 year old, and my 4 year old to a MATINEE ( before 6 p.m.). We of course needed popcorn, if you get popcorn you gotta get drinks ( we shared a large ), and some candy. The total cost of this outing was well over $50.00 !!!!

I definitely don't like to think of myself as some kind of 'cheap ass', but. . . .wow!!! I am at a real crossroads as to how I want to design my movie experiences. I LOVE MOVIES and here are my options:

A) See the 'new releases' in new theatres. Deal with the ever continuing raising of admission prices, increasing drink & popcorn prices, and potentially ( 50/50 chance ) deal with some annoying person in the crowd

B) Go see the movie in a 'dollar theatre'. When I was a kid, you'd could go to a discount movie theatre and see movies that are about to leave the box office for $1.00. Now, the discount is $3.00 each. Still a bargain comparatively. But, still may have to deal with some idiot in the crowd. Maybe even more so?

C) Wait until DVD. I can rent the dvd for $5.00. I can even buy the DVD for $15.99 at Wal Mart the day it is released. Blockbuster even runs their "4 for $20.00" specials if I'm willing to wait.

I think I'm seriously leaning towards option C. I can't really think of a compelling argument to view all the movies in new theatres? I love going to the movies, I love movies, but as I went through our categorized bills for 2007, we spent almost $700.00 last year at movie theatres. I could more than likely cut that in half sticking to DVDs only, not deal with anyone super irritating(other than the potential child of mine), sit on my couch, and actually put the big screen HD to use.

I think when you are about to make a decision like this it needs to be consistently honored. I guess there would be the every once in awhile special occasion, but why? Why not just ALWAYS and ONLY see movies on DVD? Why not REFUSE to go to a theatre? I took myself and 2 kids to a movie. What if Michelle and my other 2 came along as well? Are we now talking about $100.00 just to see something mildly entertaining as 'Kung Fu Panda'? WTH?

If you have an opinion or thoughts, let me know :)

I do recommend this movie, IF you have kids. I can't see why anyone would watch this unless you were with kids? But, to each their own. I give this movie 3.75 stars out of 5.

Pathfinder

Title - Pathfinder
Rating - R
Actors - Karl Urban, Moon Bloodgood,Russell Means,Clancey Brown,Jay Tavare
Directed By- Marcus Nispel
Recommendation? On DVD now. . .don't bother
Length - 1 hour 47 minutes

This movie is based on a legend that prior to Columbus landing at Plymouth Rock, the Vikings from Scandanavia came to the 'new world' hundreds of years prior.

On one of the Vikings trips they left a boy behind, and he was raised by Native Americans. The boy grows to be a man, and the Vikings return.

This movie is crazy violent! This movie is the battle scenes of BraveHeart, Saving Private Ryan, and 300. There are scenes with heads getting cut off, blood splattering, and lots of death. So, not one for the kids.

I give this movie 3 out of 5 stars. Pretty predictable, has some exciting parts, I was happy to rent it instead of paying $9 at the theatre.

Year of the Dog

Title - Year of the Dog
Rating - PG 13
Actors - Molly Shannon, Laura Dern, Regina King, Thomas McCarthy, John C. Reilly, Peter Sarsgaard
Directed By- Mike White
Recommendation? On DVD now. RENT IT
Length - 1 hour 37 minutes
This is a quirky, funny movie. Story about a woman who loves her little dog. Some people have spouses, careers, children, etc, while others have their dogs.

I can't talk too much about this movie without giving away some of the plot. But, I will tell you that John C. Reilly, Peter Sarsgaard, Molly Shannon, and Laura Dern deliver performances you will not soon forget. They all create such loveable characters you will be discussing this movie with the person you watch with for days to come. This movie reminds me of great character movies like Napolean Dynamite, Best in Show, and Wes Anderson flicks.

Rent this movie when you are in the mood for something goofy. You will not be disapointed.
I give this movie 4.5 stars out of 5.

The Visitor

Title - The Visitor
Rating - PG 13
Actors - Richard Jenkins, Haaz Sleiman, Danai Jekesai Gurira,
Directed By- Thomas McCarthy
Recommendation? Still in theatres. . . you could easily wait for DVD
Length - 1 hour 43 minutes

This movie is getting the independent film critics attention. The story is about a 60'ish boring, old, sad, college professor who lives in CT and owns an apartment in NYC. One day he shows up to his New York City apartment and is surprised by 2 illegal immigrants living in his furnished home. The immigrants had been scammed and led to believe they had legally rented the property. Rather than throw the young immigrant couple into the street, the professor allows them to stay for a short time. They become friends, and the unlikely friends learn that we are all human beings and can easily relate to one another if we only try.

I give this movie 4.5 stars out of 5. I did like the movie. Heartfelt. A little sad. A touching movie about people and their lives. A touch of melancholy with a dash of love.

Title -Baby Mama
Rating - PG 13
Actors - Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Dax Shepard, Greg Kinnear,Steve Martin, Sigourney Weaver

Directed By- Michael McCullers
Recommendation? Good to see in theatre. . . but, you could wait until it's on DVD,too
Length - 1 Hour 39 Minutes

"Baby Mama" features arguably the 2 funniest women in comedy right now, Tina Fey & Amy Poehler.

The movie is about an aging young executive who desperately wants to have a baby. She is unable to conceive, and doesn't want to take the time involved to adopt. She visits a surrogate clinic and is matched with funny, white trashy, Amy Poehler.

The incubator is soon living with the young executive and the wackiness begins. A love storyline also exists between Tina Fey's & Greg Kinnear's characters.

Overall, the movie is fairly short and sweet. Has some funny parts, and is easy to watch no matter how macho or cool you think you are.

Good movie for a date with the wife, or wait until DVD and everyone catch watch.

I give this movie 3.75 stars out of 5

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

Title -The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Rating - PG 13
Actors - Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner, Marie-Josee Croze

Directed By- Julian Schnabel
Recommendation? Rent it.
Length - 1 Hour 42 Minutes

This is a French film. Yes, I am now a snobby international film critic. No, not really. This just happens to be a really good movie made in France.

The entire film is in subtitles. So, if you don't like to read at the movies, you are out of luck.

This movie is about a guy who had it all. Based on a true story. He was the big dog editor of 'Elle' magazine in Paris, young 40's, beautiful women surrounded him, money to no end, his life was great. Out of no where, with no warning he has a stroke and is reduced to the batting of one eye in order to communicate.

It's hard to feel sorry for yourself, or not cherish the smallest inconvenience as you watch this guy struggle to communicate with one eye. His mind is 100% in tact, but he is a prisoner in his own body.

The director puts you inside the mind of "Jean-Do" and we listen as he contemplates life, death, his past, present, and future. A very well done movie.

This movie received multiple award nominations and awards. I give this movie 4.75 stars out of 5. RENT THIS MOVIE !

My Heros

Knowledge is one of life’s greatest gifts. But it means nothing unless you do something with it. Knowledge isn’t power—action is power. - Anthony Robbins

Read anything by Anthony Robbins, Joel Osteen, Zig Ziglar, or the book, "The Secret". You will see that these people are here to help. So, if you want help, go get it.

The Savages

Title -Savages
Rating - R - I don't really know why? Maybe an 'F' bomb or 2? Nothing obscene
Actors - Laura Linney, Philip Seymour Hoffman

Directed By- Tamara Jenkins
Recommendation? Rent it.
Length - 1 Hour 44 Minutes

This movie is about siblings. A brother and sister are surprised with news they need to collaborate on the decision of what to do with their dieing father. They struggle with guilt, childhood trauma, and the future. You get the feeling that both left the house the day they turned 18 and hadn't had much to do with 'dad' since. They are pulled from their separate, busy lives to decide what is 'best' for 'dad' before he dies.

Both Laura Linney and Philip Seymour Hoffman deliver honest, and genuine performances. The movie is critically acclaimed and deservingly so. A very human drama.

I recommend renting this movie. The kind of movie that is great to watch when the house is absolutely silent, too late for the phone to ring, and the movie pulls you inside.

My favorite kind of movie. I give this movie 4.5 stars out of 5.

Iron Man

Title -Iron Man
Rating - PG 13
Actors - Robert Downey Jr., Jeff Bridges, Terrence Howard, Gwyneth Paltrow

Directed By- John Favreau
Recommendation? GO SEE THIS MOVIE ! IT IS KILLER!
Length - 2 Hours 6 Minutes

Maybe you think this will be your cliche 'superhero' movie. Maybe it is? If it is, in my opinion Jon Favreau and Robert Downey Jr. have done it THE BEST so far. This is an AWESOME movie!

Robert Downey Jr. plays the rich, arrogant, brilliant, mega zillioniare, perfectly. I haven't been this impressed with movie technology since 'The Matrix' came out in 2000.

I really don't even want to talk about the plot, or acting, or any details. Just GO SEE THIS MOVIE!

I give this movie 4.75 stars out of 5.

Debt & Slavery

This info was in a newsletter, thought you'd find it interesting. . .

One of the most interesting books I’ve come across lately is called The Web of Debt: The Shocking Truth About Our Money System and How We Can Break Free by Ellen Brown, JD. Here are two quotes from the back cover (notice the dates) to give you a flavor of the book:

“The sack of the United States by the Fed is the greatest crime in history. Every effort has been made by the Fed to conceal its powers, but the truth is the Fed has usurped the government.” -- Charles McFadden, Chairman, House Banking and Currency Committee, 1932.

“The real truth is ... that a financial element in the large centers has owned the Government ever since the days of Andrew Jackson” -- President Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1932.

The book proposes that big money interests supported the Civil War because it was a chance to drive the United States apart, with both sides in heavy debt. And that was the chance to take control over the country. They considered physical slavery to be obsolete because the slave owners were responsible for the physical care of the slaves. However, debt slavery of a nation is much more efficient because it involves most of the nation and there is no need to care for the slaves. In fact, under ideal conditions the slaves can even prosper.

In addition, according to Brown, even our political process was created by huge money interests so that people would be distracted over politicians who quarreled over issues that were insignificant to what the “debt slave owners” were doing. I think that’s particularly evident this year; that this country is in severe financial difficulties that are hardly mentioned by those running for president.

I think this book is very important reading for anyone who wants to stay on top of the big picture. In addition, I think there is a chance that the whole system might undo itself in the next few years. Overall, that would be great for the United States, but the short term ramifications would turn everything upside down since we’ve come to depend upon the system put in place.

Walk Hard

Title -Walk Hard
Rating - R . . This movie is VERY RATED 'R'
Actors - John C. Reilly, Jenna Fischer, Kristen Wiig, Tim Meadows, Chris Parnell

Directed By- Jake Kasdan
Recommendation? Rent it. . . if you liked "Knocked Up", "SuperBad" and want ADULT humor
Length - 1 Hour 36 Minutes

Well, the time has come. I'm sure at some point it was 'over the top' or 'risque' to show a woman topless in a rated R movie. Get ready, because if 'Walk Hard" is a sign of things to come, there will be more MALE NUDITY.

In the context the male nudity was shown in 'Walk Hard' it was actually hilarious. Very uncomfortable, and awkward. But, you should know this going into it just in case you plan to view with someone who wouldn't/couldn't think it is funny.

The movie is written/produced by Judd Apatow. He is the guy behind "SuperBad", "40 Year Old Virgin", and "Knocked Up". If you liked those, you'll love this.

This movie is a farce on 'Ray', "Walk the Line", "The Doors", etc.

I thought this movie was hilarious! Tons of good belly buster laughs. I suggest renting it.

I give this movie 4.25 stars out of 5.

A bigger expense than IRAQ War? No Way!!!??

Like my friend Travis Fortie suggests, we should send a bill to the Mexican Government. . . . :)

WHAT COSTS MORE PER YEAR THAN THE IRAQ WAR?


Illegal Aliens Cause Massive Cuts For US Seniors
December 4, 2007
http://rense.com/general79/seniors.htm

I hope the following 14 reasons are forwarded over and over again
until they are read so many times that the reader gets sick of
reading them. I have included the URL's for verification of the
following facts:

1. $11 Billion to $22 billion is spent on
welfare to illegal aliens each year. http://tinyurl.com/zob77

2.$2.2 Billion dollars a year is spent on food assistance programs
such as food stamps, WIC, and free school lunches for illegal
aliens. http://www.cis.org/articles/2004/fiscalexec.html

3. $2.5 Billion dollars a year is spent on Medicaid for illegal aliens.
http://www.cis.org/articles/2004/fiscalexec.html

4. $12 Billiondollars a year is spent on primary and secondary school education
for children here illegally and they cannot speak a word of
English! http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.0.html

5. $17 Billion dollars a year is spent for education for the
American-born children of illegal aliens, known as anchor babies.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html

6. $3 Million Dollars a DAY is spent to incarcerate illegal aliens.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html

7. 30% percent of all Federal Prison inmates are illegal aliens.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html

8. $90 Billion Dollars a year is spent on illegal aliens for Welfare and
Social Services by the American taxpayers.
http://premium.cnn.com/TRANSCIPTS/0610/29/ldt.01.html

9. $200 Billion Dollars a year in suppressed American wages are caused by
the illegal aliens. http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html

10. The illegal aliens in the United States have a crime rate that's
two-and-a-half times that of white non-illegal aliens. In
particular, their children, are going to make a huge additional
crime problem in the US .

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0606/12/ldt.01.html

11.During the year of 2005 there were 4 to 10 MILLION illegal aliens
that crossed our Southern Border also, as many as 19,500 illegal
aliens from Terrorist Countries. Millions of pounds of drugs,
cocaine, meth, heroin and marijuana, crossed into the U. S from
the Southern border. Homeland Security Report.
http://tinyurl.com/t9sht

12. The National Policy Institute, 'estimated that the total cost of mass deportation would be
between $206 and $230 billion or an average cost of between $41
and $46 billion annually over a five year period.'
http://www.nationalpolicyinstitute.org/pdf/deportation.pdf

13. In 2006 illegal aliens sent home $45 BILLION in remittances back to
their countries of origin. http://www.rense.com/general75/niht.htm
14. 'The Dark Side of Illegal Immigration: Nearly One Million Sex
Crimes Committed by Illegal Immigrants In The United States '.
http://www.drdsk.com/articleshtml Total cost is a whooping...
$338.3 BILLION A YEAR!!!

If this doesn't bother you then just delete the message, but on
the other hand, if it does raise the hair on the back of your
neck, then forward it.

Snopes is provided for doubters:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/immigration/bankofamerica.asp
Social Security Change For 2008

The United States Senate voted to extend Social Security Benefits
to Illegal Aliens beginning in 2008. The following are the
senators who voted to give illegal aliens Social Security
benefits. They are grouped by home state. If a state is not
listed, there was no voting representative.

Alaska : Stevens (R)

Arizona : McCain (R)
Arkansas : Lincoln (D) Pryor (D)
California : Boxer (D) Feinstein (D)
Colorado : Salazar (D)
Connecticut : Dodd (D) Lieberman (D)
Delaware : Biden (D) Carper (D)
Florida : Martinez (R)
Hawaii : Akaka (D) Inouye (D)
Illinois : Durbin (D) Obama (D)
Indiana : Bayh (D) Lugar (R)
Iowa : Harkin (D)
Kansas : Brownback (R)
Louisiana : Landrieu (D)
Maryland : Mikulski (D) Sarbanes (D)
Massachusetts : Kennedy (D) Kerry (D)
Montana : Baucus (D)
Nebraska : Hagel (R)
Nevada : Reid (D)
New Jersey : Lautenberg (D) Menendez (D)
New Mexico : Bingaman (D)
New York : Clinton (D) Schumer (D)
North Dakota : Dorgan (D)
Ohio : DeWine (R) Voinovich(R)
Oregon : Wyden (D)
Pennsylvania : Specter (R)
Rhode Island : Chafee (R) Reed (D)
South Carolina : Graham (R)
South Dakota : Johnson (D)
Vermont : Jeffords (I) Leahy (D)
Washington : Cantwell (D) Murray (D)
West Virginia : Rockefeller (D), by Not Voting
Wisconsin : Feingold (D) Kohl (D)

Lars and the Real Girl

Title -Lars and the Real Girl
Rating - PG-13 ( I don't know why?) In my opinion this should've been rated PG
Actors - Ryan Gosling, Emily Mortimer, Paul Schneider,

Directed By- Craig Gillespie
Recommendation? RENT THIS MOVIE
Length - 1 Hour 46 Minutes

This is a great movie. I'll warn you tough, macho men that I shed a tear at the end of the movie. So, you may want to be careful with who you watch this with if you have an 'image' to protect.

This is a touching movie about humanity. I HIGHLY recommend this one.

I give this movie 5 out of 5 stars. Certainly, I am not claiming this is the best movie I've ever seen. However, it has all the ingredients of a good movie. Superb acting, extremely well written, perfectly directed, and is appealing on many different levels.

The next time you rent a movie for you, you and your significant other, or you and the entire family, rent this one.

Kickin' It Old Skool

Title -Kickin It Old Skool
Rating - PG-13
Actors - Jamie Kennedy

Directed By- Harvey Glazer
Recommendation? Don't Bother
Length - 1 Hour 48 Minutes

Well, I've been on a small run of BAD movies. I rented this because I like "The Jamie Kennedy Experiment" on tv.

This is a BAD movie about a guy who was a breakdancer in the 80s, fell into a coma, wakes up in current times, only to find himself able to compete in a breakdancing contest. If he wins, he gets the girl. Hehehehe. . . .NOT.

I'm going to save you the time. The funniest part of the movie right here:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=FKJpX6khu0k&feature=related

Don't rent this. If you find it on Comedy Central on an afternoon and nothing else is on, and you can nap during it, then watch it. Otherwise. . .RUN!

I give this 1.5 stars out of 5.

Perfect Stranger

Title -Perfect Stranger
Rating - R
Actors - Halle Berry, Bruce Willis, Giovanni Ribisi

Directed By- James Foley
Recommendation? Don't Bother
Length - 1 Hour 49 Minutes

Sometimes I rent a movie, and you simply judge a book by it's cover. Halle Berry looks amazing in this movie. There is one scene that I would re nominate her for an Oscar for, based 100% on looks only.

But, this movie is stupid. Don't bother EVER watching this one. Save the almost 2 hours of your life.

I give this movie 1 star out of 5.

Billions - Wish I could get some

This is too true to be funny. Talk about putting it into perspective.

The next time you hear a politician use the
word 'billion' in a casual manner, think about
whether you want the 'politicians' spending
YOUR tax money.
A billion is a difficult number to comprehend,
but one advertising agency did a good job of
putting that figure into some perspective in
one of its releases.

A. A billion seconds ago it was 1959.

B. A billion minutes ago Jesus was alive.

C. A billion hours ago our ancestors were
living in the Stone Age.

D. A billion days ago no-one walked on the earth on two feet.

E. A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and
20 minutes, at the rate our government is spending it.

While this thought is still fresh in our brain, let's take a look at New Orleans . It's amazing what you can learn with some simple division

Louisiana Senator, Mary Landrieu (D), is presently asking the Congress for $250 BILLION to rebuild New Orleans . Interesting number; what does it mean?

A. Well, if you are one of 484,674 residents of
New Orleans (every man, woman, child), you
each get $516,528.

B. Or, if you have one of the 188,251 homes in
New Orleans , your home gets $1,329,787.

C. Or, if you are a family of four, your family
gets $2,066,012.

Washington , D.C .. HELLO!!! ... Are all your calculators broken??

Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL License Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Perm it Tax
Gasoline Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax),
IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax),
Liquor Tax,
Luxury Tax,
Marriage License Tax,
Medicare Tax,
Property Tax,
Real Estate Tax,
Service charge taxes,
Social Security Tax,
Road Usage Tax (Truckers),
Sales Taxes,
Recreational Vehicle Tax,
School Tax,
State Income Tax,
State Unemplo yment Tax (SUTA),
Telephone Federal Excise Tax,
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax,
Telephone Federal, State and Local

Surcharge Tax,
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax,
Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax,
TelephoneStateand Local Tax,
Telephone Usage Charge Tax,
Utility Tax,
Vehicle License Registration Tax,
Vehicle Sales Tax,
Watercraft Registration Tax,
Well Permit Tax,
Workers Compensation Tax.

STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?
Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago,
and our nation was the most prosperous in the world.
We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.

What happened? Can you spell 'politicians!'

And I still have to "press 1 for English"

What the heck happened?????