I don't usually make a fuss over celebrity deaths, but this one really jumped out at me...

Don Adams died yesterday. He was 82. For those of you who don't know, he play Maxwell Smart on Get Smart, one of my favorite comedies (nay, shows) on all time. He also did the voice to one of my favorite childhood cartons: Inspector Gadget. Hopefully, his memory will expedite the release of the show on DVD, perhaps the most overdue DVD on TV releases (IMHO) along side Ally McBeal. It's nice to hear that a remake is due with Steve Carell. It's a great casting choice, and it's kind of hard to screw up anything that he's in.

More info from IMDB

"The American potential for self-invention and the sadness that can come with that achievement"
While now, I can't get any research done if I don't find an advisor, can I? And my possibilities are swiftly being exhausted with a congenial response of "Sorry, but I can't take on any more students this semester."

I hate not being in the loop. I'm getting so close (to everything), but I'm so paranoid that a couple in-actions here and there and the bus is going to leave without me.

(edit 1:27pm)
Last week, Apple introduced the wafer-thin, flash-based iPod nano. What do people think?

- "Would companies stop making smaller, more powerful electronic goods? It's starting to freak me out."
- "I know I'll end up buying it anyway, but I do worry that this new iPod may be too small to effectively flaunt in public."
- "As a maker of custom iPod cases, sleeves, and belt clips, I'd just like to say: Goddammit! Slow the fuck down!"
- "Damn. I just got over not being to afford an old iPod."
- "As last, after years of false hopes and empty promises, I can finally shove 1,000 songs up my ass."
- "Excuse me? The first two floors of my house are still underwater? Hello? Has anyone seen my husband?"

Animation Domination highlights:
"I feel like a chicken already! I made an egg in my pants." - Ralph

"Sweet Lizzie McGuire!" - Milhouse

"This is Marge’s bra! I bought it for her BOOBS." - Homer

(lying in a bathtub full of oatmeal) "Mmm… Homer-Oats" - Homer

Not to mention, a gut-busting parody of the O.C. with a gun-wielding Snoopy holding up "Ryan" at an ATM.

"Does anybody have any Scope?" - Stewie

"I don't care what they said, Mulder, do not invite them back to our place. Not even to watch." - "Scully" American Dad

Just because there's a chance you won't remember tomorrow:

Auto response from BrutalBrutis (12:22:58 AM): michelle is naked and boning ricci :-*

- "This is exactly why you can't touch the markers."
- "I'm not terminal. Merely pathetic."
- "Gruesome and low-tech. Kiss me, I love it."
- "Right. The parade of the small, bald, circus freaks. Sorry, I've got a thing."

Michelle, I don't know how that episode of House cheered you up on Tuesday. That was one of the most depressing episodes I've ever seen. Also, one of the best. And Elvis Costello covering Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful," a song that was already a guilty pleasure of mine... O.C., your title for best source music on television is hereby stripped. Arrested Development and 24, you've got a run for your money on your hands.

Beautiful sounds filling my apartment tonight:
1) The sound of raindrops hitting the pavement.
2) The sound of the wind rustling the trees.
3) The sweet, soothing voice of Nick Cave.

god, i love this song...
I have not had such a productive day since I've gotten down here. I share my accomplishments:

- Went to the library and rented five CDs and the House of Sand and Fog... for free! Also got a Dave Eggers' book while I was there. Yum.
- Set up meetings to try and find an advisor in the program.
- Finished, faxed, and followed-up on my application for a $5000 ABA grant.
- Went grocery shopping and bought a shit ton of stuff. Finally found a frozen Chinese entree. Double yum. The wait staff wasn't completely deplorable as usual. The best part: as soon as I got in line to checkout (keep in mind double the number of open lines than usual, all empty or close to it) they started playing The Clash's "Lost in the Supermarket" on the radio. Made my day.
- Talked to both sets of parents. Good conversations with each.
- Found out my final exam schedule. I'm done at 1pm on Tuesday, December 21 (yeah Broncos, I know that's insanely late... oh well, I don't start class again until Jan. 26).
- Booked plane tickets for Christmas. I leave early evening on the 21st and head back January 10th to make for a nice long visit home. Yum = infinity.

now you'll find with everything you lose/your path clears with everything you choose...
Mmm... one hour, twenty-two minutes, and nineteen seconds to healthy bliss.

I want to love everyone. I want to bring as much happiness to as many people as I can.

now i'm leaking life faster than i'm leaking blood...
Cage: "I used to have hallucinations where my dead aunt wanted to have tea with me. It went on for two years before I finally stopped her."
Ally: "How did you stop her?"
Cage: "I had tea with her."

I felt at home and at peace in this city for the first time tonight. Comfortable in my skin and in my head. I could see the future tonight, saw the necessity of my life, all without ever leaving the present.

I don't want to give away the ending, but I know how it's going to end.

I need a free and decent image hosting site. Any suggestions?

Kill me now.

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"Did you get the x-rays on my dick back yet?"
OK Woohu, what the hell is wrong with you? Up and leaving on me like that for two days. I have the right mind to make you sleep on the couch tonight.

So what the hell, I sit around twiddling my thumbs for several weeks and now I have a list of things to do? Gotta readjust to having stimuli in my life again.

Saw the Upright Citizens Brigade improv show "Asssscat 3000" on Sunday (for free, mind you). Amy Poehler, Horatio Sanz, and several other members of SNL. Very funny, well worth the wait in line. Definitely hitting that up again. Watched the end of the U.S. Open on a huge TV in Madison Square park with a shit-ton of other people. Very surreal experience.

More to say, but I've got a headache, so I'm off for a midnight snack and to break open my new David Gray CD. ::drools::

The good news: this place is incredibly easy to keep clean. Between its size and the fact that I'm the only person here, not a dirty dish enjoys an overnight hiberation in the sink and I'm vacuuming the place just about once a day. Also, got the rest of my posters up and I'm just waiting for the ones in the mail to arrive. (Word to wise: drilling concrete anchors pisses your neighbors off).

The bad news: football makes me insanely homesick. A plethora of little things all over the place are evoking similar feelings. I don't know what else to say. :-/ That, and Michigan lost today.

I did homework on a Saturday afternoon. WTF?

My mood = Read more..

For all the uninitiated...
prac·ti·cum (prkt-km)

NOUN:
A school or college course, especially one in a specialized field of study, that is designed to give students supervised practical application of previously studied theory: advanced practicums in teaching reading.

Had an initial chat regarding my practicum project for my Applied Behavior Analysis class today and I have to say I'm feeling a lot better about it. If all things go as planned, I think we'll be done with our project way before everybody else and I might get my second byline on a publication. Mmm... monikers in respected journals. Queens College has the worst set-up for a bookstore I have ever seen. You have to check your books in one area, walk to another, and if it's busy enough to have to wait in line to get into the bookstore. Not to mention the fact that it doesn't have two-thirds of the books I'm supposed to have.

My stepmom's stepfather (that sounds slightly awkward) died yesterday. He was 85 and ready to go. I mention this because I'm reminded of the myth that celebrities always die in threes. In other news, over 500 people paid respects to my aunt the other day and I guess the family is doing relatively well.

This full week without school that is finally coming to a close was a tough one. I couldn't imagine moving to this city on a whim, without having anything to do or fall back on. You can only sightsee so much.

On to gawk at the beach photos and see what I've been missing. ;-)

I finally beat Silent Hill 3. I somehow feel like my life has been on pause, waiting for this moment. Knowing that Heather is safe and out of harm's way allows me to go on with my life. :-P

That said, I think I'll start a new game (set on Hard of course). I mean, those alternative endings and secret weapons aren't going to earn themselves. And I still need to get my hands on Silent Hill 4: The Room. Oh, and then of course there's the movie, due out April 21, 2006. ::melts::

P.S. Word to the wise, if you plan on attempting to kill god, make sure you come prepared with health and ammo, or you end making it a lot harder on yourself.

"No evolution
Sometimes it depresses me
The same old same
We keep repeating history
The institution curses curiosity
It's our conviction
Sex is not the enemy"
- Garbage, "Sex Is Not The Enemy"

It always amazes me how much time you can waste surfing sites online. And the things that people will pay money for. At least my vices result in something tangible.

I decided, just now, that I don't like The Bravery.

So I'm finding that this crippling boredom leads to a lot of eating. But then again, I'm exercising again, so as always it all evens out.

Never realized my reliance on supermarkets, big box stores, and corporate chains. Rite Aid came through in a pinch today and I can't emphasize enough how much I miss Meijer.

Found this running through random journals. From RobbingNovember...

"One summer quickly replaces another. As is the passage of time. What is of our future? It is replaced by another, as well. All dreams and stories thrown into the sea and eventually destroyed or forgotten to make new fantasies, new maps. And that leaves me feeling empty, if not jealous of what is new and fresh."

That last sentence struck me for some reason.

Hey, what the hell happened to the update-fest the past few days?! I need something to read (and judge), damnit! ;-)

I think it's time for the sweet, soothing lyrics of Pulp:

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Went to Central Park today. I honestly didn't think it would be the labyrinth it was. It's not that it's that which (it is huge though) but the fact that none of the trails are marked, so you just have landmarks. And if you forgot to pick up a map at the entrance... Anyway, I went there trying to get tickets to Shakespeare in the Park (Two Gentlemen of Verona currently showing) but by the time I actually found the theater in that maze, tickets had sold out. I was amused that the sign stated "sold out" considering tickets are free. Eh, it goes until the 11th, maybe I'll try again before then.

Since I was in the area, I took the opportunity to check out the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Fairly interesting, but it didn't have many exhibits I could relate to. Worth the price of admission, but not something I'm going to add to the visitor's to-do list. Not to mention I had a bitch of a time getting out of that place as well. Guess I left my since of direction at home today. Overall, an underwhelming trip to Manhattan... saved only by the fact that, well, it's Manhattan.

Mmm... next to Shirley Manson maybe, Poe has got to be the enthralling female singer I can think of. Plus, Poe doesn't have extensive psychological issues, so another two points for her. Found a poster of her off of eBay; can't wait for it to arrive:

"What is this? Why are you squeezing me with your body."
"It's a hug, Michael. I'm hugging you."

Saw The Constant Gardener today. Excellent film. Beautifully acted and a very intelligent thriller.

Before the film I saw the trailer to Rent. It literally gave me goosebumps. Can't remember the last trailer that did that to me. Comes out two days after my birthday, can't think of a better present.

See it here.

Some random thoughts:

- The Shawshank Redemption is on at the same time as the encore presentation of Prison Break. That amuses me.

- I've very glad to not be in possession of a car right now, between the cost and the headaches and the upkeep. That said, I fully expected the apocalypse to arrive shortly after gas hit the $3.00 mark.

- I should probably also be counting my blessings that I've traded in the Lions for the Jets. Nonetheless, old habits die hard and I have a feeling this football season is going to be a lengthly reminder that we're not in Michigan anymore.

- "Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer" is the most overused phrase in television drama.

- I just saw a "It's 10 o'clock, do you know where your children are?" commercial. I didn't know those things actually existed anymore.

- Naming your child "Wentworth" is just plain mean.

- Brandon Boyd's favorite song is "Alison" by Elvis Costello. I love Incubus.

- Most of all, I miss having someone to split a pizza with.

- I'm absolutely in love with my new icon. Origin: "Somehow, Satan Got Behind Me" episode of Millennium.

Here's the game: underline the movies you own, bold the movies you've seen, put those you've only seen part of in italics. Then add three movies to the bottom of the list.

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Just watched Steve Carell on the Daily Show. Best. interview. ever.

Dana21x (11:28:46 PM): i had no idea steve used to be on the daily show...
TaoMan1121 (11:29:56 PM): ::sighs::
TaoMan1121 (11:30:53 PM): maybe you should check his filmography on imdb so you don't get caught with you pants down again :-)

Sorry dear, I wasn't going to let you get away with that one without a little exposure.

In some not so great news, my dad called me a little bit ago and told me that my aunt died in a car accident today. The entire family was in the car (they were taking my cousin up north away to college) and the car swerved to miss a dog in the middle of the road and they lost control. Everyone else will be okay, but, yeah... This brings up a lot of implications and considerations that I need to sort through, but not here. I thought for sure as soon as I heard his voice that one of my grandparents had died. This is slightly more... unexpected.

Sometimes I wish I felt more.

Back to school. It's only been 8 months, I'm sure this won't be weird at all.

Highlights from the latest issue of The Onion:
ANGELINA JOLIE COMING FOR YOUR BABY
"...Immediately after acquiring your child, Jolie will dress it in Betsey Johnson infant wear, give it a faux-hawk, name it after a random passage from The Tibetan Book of the Dead, then resume her relentless search for babies."

from a "Michael Bay" editorial re: March of the Penguins being this summer's suprise hit:
"I'm busy in pre-production planning my next big spectacle (which no one will see because they'll be off watching a 10-hour documentary on park squirrels, no doubt). But if you are in the San Diego area, do me this favor: Go to Sea World, walk into the emperor-penguin exhibit, and punch one those fuckers right in the face. Tell 'em Michael Bay sent ya."

And finally...

RUMSFELD MAKES SUPRISE VISIT TO WIFE'S VAGINA
" 'Despite the hurried nature of the visit, I am proud to report that my wife met and exceeded the operational standards set up by the U.S. military for readiness in a two-front war,' said Rumsfeld in a press conference shortly after the visit. 'I am confident that she can still stand up to heavy fire and serve ably, even in a rearguard action.' "

Best. Museum. Ever.
I'll tell right upfront, the purpose of this entry is two-fold. Of course, I wanted to share my excitement with you, but this is also propangda to get your ass out here. But since not everyone will make the jaunt, I offered some pics behind the cut.

Like I said, yesterday I spent most of my day at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria (high class neighborhood in Queens, close to Manhattan). Pretty self-explanatory, it has exhibits related to film, television, and video games. The best part is that many of the exhibits are interactive, so you can play arcade games old and new, put yourself in front of a "green screen," and see how a baseball game's multiple camera angles are edited. It also has a theater on its main floor which shows classic movies every weekend; it's showing every Billy Wilder movie ever made starting in September. It was a great time and I can't wait to go back, but I'll let the pics speak for themselves...

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I like buying things
I should go to bed, but I still have lots of energy.

Watched Before Sunset, it's got me thinking. I hate it when that happens.

Movies
Congrats to Federico Fellini's La Dolce vita for being the 1300th entry in my giant movie list. Points taken away for being so long and weird. Not saying that I disliked it, but I left asking myself "why?"

Saw aforementioned film at the Museum of the Moving Image, which is now my current favorite attraction in Queens. More about that later (along with a picture or two). I also need to post a couple pics of the place. Made a comprehensive "To Rent" list on IMDB as opposed to having a bunch of random lists lying about; it's up to 87. Too bad I don't have Netflix right now so I can get started. That'll have to wait until I get a burner.

I've really got to get my ass in gear with this writing thing. I start school in 36 hours.

as always, from RollingStone.com
Thought some of you might enjoy this bulletin:

"DASHBOARD TOSSES EMO TAG

DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL's CHRIS CARRABBA has teamed with BOB DYLAN and U2 producer DANIEL LANOIS for the follow-up to 2004's "A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar." Carrabba scrapped an album's worth of material in February in favor of taking a musical risk. "People who were already Dashboard fans probably would have liked those songs," Carrabba told Rolling Stone, "and people who weren't would have had the same complaints as ever." Among the new material is the U2-ish "Heaven Here." The band, which kicks off a U.S. tour tomorrow in East Lansing, Michigan, plans to release the album early next year."

In other news, I think I'm going to spend most of tomorrow checking out the Museum of the Moving Image. Check out the exhibits, get a demonstration of how to do Gumby animation, and catch a double feature of La Dolce Vita and 8 1/2 on the big screen. Jealous yet, Leed-man? ;-)

So, evidently I'm 37, not 22
I'm insatiably bored tonight, so I was messing around online and found this...

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I mean, it's possible that there's a 37-year-old man who just happened to have lived in the four towns that I took up residence in, but somehow I wouldn't bank on it.

the Cutting Edge (52% dark, 46% spontaneous, 31% vulgar)

your humor style: CLEAN | SPONTANEOUS | DARK Your humor's mostly innocent and off-the-cuff, but somehow there's something slightly menacing about you. Part of your humor is making people a little uncomfortable, even if the things you say aren't themselves confrontational. You probably have a very dry delivery, or are seriously over-the-top. Your type is the most likely to appreciate a good insult and/or broken bone and/or very very fat person dancing. PEOPLE LIKE YOU: David Letterman - John Belushi

My test tracked 3 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender: You scored higher than 49% on dark You scored higher than 49% on spontaneous You scored higher than 38% on vulgar

Link: The 3 Variable Funny Test written by jason_bateman on Ok Cupid