Yay! Christmas!

Here's what I got for Christmas:

1. electric razor

2. Nintendo Gamecube

3. DVD

4. Carrie Underwood album

5. various clothing

What'd you get?

impulse Christmas

I just got back from Birmingham, AL last night. Some friends of mine at Student Life invited me to participate in some video making for youth camp. It was a blast, and just what I needed. We had fun.

I know a person shouldn't impulse buy things this close to Christmas. (especially useless stuff!!) But, earlier I bought the Garfield Holiday Celebrations DVD. So, if anyone got me that for Christmas, I apologize! But, it's one of my favs of all time!!!!

I also finished up my Christmas shopping. It's never what I want it to be. But, I guess my gifts will be acceptable. There's nothing like celebrating the birth of our Savior by buying each other 80's movies on DVD.

Christmas time

Well, kids, Christmas is one week away. It is hard to believe the last two months have gone by so fast. My stint at my retail store may soon be over! And, with family holiday plans being in shambles, it's none too soon. I'll be glad to be done with that place.

That being said, I reflect on the meaning of Christmas. It's tough to continually push myself to make this a Christmas about giving. In a bitter world of complainers, it's hard to be the one who is optimistic. It's easy to see the 1000 reasons to be dissatisfied, without noticing the things that make it wonderful.

But, don't get me wrong. This blog entry is not a sermon by any means. I'm just trying to make it a Christmas of giving. And, that's a lot easier said than done.

sick day

I was driving to work today, up the redneck interstate. I began to feel a queasy spasm in my abdomen. The chinese I ate earlier? Probably. The weight of my job? That, too.

I pulled over on an interstate exit, and pulled out my cell phone. I dialed my retail store of employment, and asked for the manager. I explained, simply, that I felt sick and didn't think I could work today. I felt somewhat guilty, but also resolved about not working. Was I just flaking out? Partially. But, I was also searching myself. I do that a lot lately. She was understanding and kind about it, and told me to feel better soon.

Now, I sit in my house, tired. Tired, but relaxed. I feel better, like a kid who stayed home from school. I've been putting too much pressure on myself to meet the expectations of others. I think that's my biggest problem. Sometimes it's hard to just be you. So often I allow outer forces to push me around. Well, not today. And, if I'm lucky, not any other day. Too much exhaustion makes Jack a dull boy.

hilarious schlock: 2005

Well, another surreal year of pop culture is coming to a close. And, wow, has the mediocrity hit a whole new high.

We saw Michael Jackson dancing like an idiot atop an SUV, while being charged for serving up Jesus Juice to the kiddies. How did he get aquitted? That weird white-haired guy must be a good lawyer after all. A really, really good lawyer. I guess Michael's ending up the year prancing around Switzerland or some place, having snowball fights and eating chocolate with midgets and whatnot.

Thankfully, Ben Aff-FLOP didn't churn out any more unbearable schlock because of his new baby. Guess we'll have to wait til next year for "Daredevil 2", or "Christmas with the Kranks 2." Hm. Can't wait.

While we're on the subject, Ben's old buddy Matt ain't doin' so hot, either. I don't care what anybody says. The last couple years have been rough. Brothers Grimm? Seriously. He must've taken advice from Aff-FLOP about that film choice. And, "Bourne Supremecy"? It would've been better if it hadn't been filmed with a home video camera. Would it have killed them to give Damon's character some dialouge? It should've been called Bourne Stupidity. Or, Bored Supremecy. And this new oil movie? I'd rather watch a movie about carburetors, or something.

Rappers have been about their usual business: being platinum, and telling us all about it. Ok, we get it. You make a great deal of money. Yeah, we know. You own guns.

George Lucas presented us with the last Star Wars ever! At least, until they make the next one. The dialouge still sounds like it was written by an 8th grader for a class project, but at least it was the best one of the new ones.

And, we get to end the year with a new Jim Carrey flop, and a bizarre Peter Jackson King Kong. I liked it better the first time, when it was called...well, King Kong.

Once again, Hollywood has proven they have little or nothing to offer except the same old schlock in new packaging. And, even the packaging isn't that new anymore.

It's a Wonderful Life

Well, it seems like poor George Bailey can't quite get out of Bedford Falls. He knows he's too good for this little town, and he has big plans and a bright future. He wants to move to New York and design expansive city buildings, and make millions. He's bright, ambitious, and everyone in the town knows he's going places.

But, he just can't seem to break free of his Bedford Falls roots. Just before he leaves for college, his father falls ill and dies. The poor people of the town desperately beg 'ol George to salvage his daddy's broke "building and loan" business. Reluctantly, George helps them out, and gets mired in the local politics.

A few years later, he's still stuck in the same old mediocre town. The same poor people live there, and he's still running the same broken down building and loan. Meanwhile, his friends have moved on to bigger and better things. Their lives are progressing, and some of them are making lots of money. George's younger brother, having fought in the war, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, and met the President.

Mean old Mr. Potter is out to get George Bailey, because the Bailey Building and Loan is the only entity left in town that he doesn't run. He's a cruel old man with lots, and lots, and lots of old money.

Mr. Potter gains the opportunity to steal 8000 dollars from George's savings and loan, and he does. He stops at nothing to scrape together every penny for himself. This puts George in a terrible position. Groveling, like a begger, he desperately attempts to hold the savings and loan together that his father held so dearly.

Reaching the breaking point, and knowing he will probably go to jail, he realizes that his life insurance policy is worth more to his family if he's dead. He's living in a shack, with mouths he can't feed. He stands at the edge of a bridge, on a cold dark Christmas eve, fully prepared to end it all.

Then, Clarence the angel shows up. He shows George how much good he has brought to the town. And, he explains that it is ridiculous to end your life over a matter of 8000 measly dollars. (worth more in 1946). George sees the terrible reality that would've existed if he'd never been born. His younger brother would've drown, because George wasn't there to save him. George's wife would grow up cold and alone. His old boss goes to jail. The list goes on and on.

George re-enters reality, with new fervor for his life. The townspeople, in a Christmas eve scramble to save the building and loan, raise thousands and thousands of dollars. One of George's old friends sends $25,000. The love of the town is overwhelming, and George learns and important lesson. If a man has friends, he can not be a failure. His friends and family make him the richest man in Bedford Falls.

links

Check out some of the links on this blog. I've put links to things I think are interesting, and/or things I am personally connected with.

Also, browse the blog links as well. My friends write fascinating blogs! And, don't forget to check out my movie review blog, which is brand new!

Dempseys

Last night I went to see a musical group called The Dempseys. I was reluctant at first, but it turned out to be fairly interesting. Of course, they must have been charged up on Red Bull, because they played two hours without stopping. I don't know how they did it, but I couldn't stay focused for that long.

They were kind of like a cartoon rockabilly band, playing an endless string of cover songs. At first, I found their energy infectious and endearing, until I finally couldn't take it anymore. (After almost 2 solid hours of standing up.) They are certainly full of humor and whacky antics. It was definitely different.

I reviewed Broken Flowers on my movie review blog. Click here to read it! And to clear up any confusion in the last blog entry, this blog is not going anywhere! I will continue to faithfully update this one, as my own child.

new blog!

Greetings blog readers! I have finally bitten a certain bullet. I have been contemplating starting up a new movie review blog. While my personal blog is demanding (in internet terms), I decided it would be worth it to start up this new creative outlet. Here is the address:

http://evansilverscreen.blogspot.com

Check it out and let me know what you think!

Christmas stress

December 6? Can it be true? This first week of December has drifted by too fast. I have been trying to enjoy the Christmas season, in my own ways. It's so easy to get bogged down in all the commerialism that goes on around us. It's easy to grow cynical about the Christmas holiday. It's also a temptation to mourn for the lost days of childhood nostalgia (even though those childhood memories are idealized!)

The key is to approach this Christmas as a brand new opportunity. There has never been a Christmas 2005, so it's a new time. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to feel a certain way about Christmas. Just plan out things you want to do in celebration of Christmas, and don't sweat it! Get creative with your celebration ideas. Me? Well, I've got a collection of Christmas favorite movies in my Netflix queue. Home Alone, It's a Wonderful Life, and the hilariously cheesey Jingle All the Way, just to name a few. And, I blogged recently about watching the ALF Christmas special, and actually crying. Funny, and touching to cry while watching ALF.

I've also been listening to some fantastic Christmas music. You know, "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer", and whatnot. All the Bing Crosby classics, as well as Burl Ives. And, yes, The Chipmunks. But, I don't overload on Christmas music. I listen to it until the moment passes, then it's back to Busta Rhymes. (Just kidding.) But, the point is, Christmas in moderation is healthy.

And finally, whatever your family situation is this year, whatever your financial situation is, however your emotional state, just remember the most important thing: The point of this whole celebration! Don't lose touch with the roots of Christmas. It's an old, old story that dates back 2000 years. A baby, born in unlikely circumstances, with you and me on His mind. It's also about giving. Maybe a Christmas charity donation will lift your spirits, and help someone in need!

Bottom line: I'm working in retail this Christmas. That's right! And, that has the potential to kill any joy Christmas may hold for me, if I let it. That's why I have to keep a healthy perspective about Christmas, and remind myself that it has nothing to do with people fighting over Furbies.

frail body

A murky vision appeared before me. A bright, light brown desert. The wavy heat rose from the earth as I began to feel my body. I was shirtless, and was clothed in tattered pants. I didn't have any shoes, and my feet began to feel the intense heat of the desert sand.

As I stumbled wearily through the desert, the bright sandy horizon grew clearer in my vision. The blinding light of the sun scorched my skin into a red sweaty layer of leather. My wobbly legs finally gave out, and my frail body stumbled involuntarily, then crumpled to the soft ground.

The heat was painful, and my breath drew in shallowly, rhytmically, as my heart beat weakly. I wiped sweat from my brow with my bare hand. The sand beneath me was blistering hot. The pain seared through me like electricity. My throat was as dry as desert bones. I had grown accustomed to the taste of sand over the course of my listless wandering.

"Rise." A loud, solid, confident bass voice bellowed. Startled, I raised my head to see the source of the command. That's when I saw the thing.

Looming nine feet above me, this great warrior gazed down upon my frail body in disgust. Covered in tarnished silver armor, his face was shielded. His black deepset eyes stared at my pathetic limp body. I was almost too close to the brink of collapse to bother being afraid.

But I was afraid.

"I command you to rise." His voice once more blasting down at me. With adrenaline awakening within me once more, I feebly pulled myself up, feeling lightheaded and inadequate.

"What? Who are you?" My voice quivered, sounding unusually thin and powerless.

"Look before you. Survey this land." He gestured with his metallic hand toward the panoramic landscape of endless desert around me. "What do you see?"

I gasped a couple of times, choking on sand. I coughed, and thought there might be a wrong answer. Surely this giant warrior was going to kill me, and that would be the end. "I...I see a lot of nothing."

"Fool!" Blinding pain struck my head as his backhand swiftly and gracefully smashed the side of my face, sending me sprawling on my back. The world began to fade, as the agony weighed my conscience into blackness. Briefly, I passed out on the hot sand.

"Rise." The voice snapped me back to the reality of bright hot sun, and his looming warrior body. "Rise, or be destroyed." My head throbbed painfully.

I forced myself to my feet. "You answer like a simple-minded fool," he corrected. "See all that is before you. Gaze upon it, and remember the days of your childhood. This is the very place you grew up. This is the place of your youth, simpleton."

"No." I began crying. "This is not my childhood home. This terrible, wastful desert is not familiar to me. I grew up in lush gardens."

"You sicken me. You cannot recognize your own surroundings?" The great warrior reached out to me, and grabbed my arm tightly. He lifted me up toward his flat, metallic face, and pierced into my soul with those deep black eyes. "This is your childhood home. What do you remember of it?"

I offered my true memories."It was beautiful. It was serene." He was squeezing my left arm so hard, I thought it was going to crush under the pressure. "So...magical."

"You are blind by your shortsighted ignorance." Apathetically, he tossed my frail body to the ground. I landed harshly, and I curled into the fetal position. His deep voice bellowed, "You will remember that time once more. I grace you with a second chance."

"May I die?"

"NO!" He retorted, angrily. "You will live, fool!" His finger pointed accusingly at my pathetic body. "You bring this draught upon yourself. In your selfishness, you have forgotten where you are." From his shoulders, magnificent wings of reds and browns sprawled open against the blue sky. Flapping powerfully, the great warrior slowly rose into the air. Then, with three forceful beats, the warrior rose upward into the clear sky. I watched with weary eyes as his body appeared smaller and smaller as he flew higher and higher.

Then, I was alone again. My mind drifted into the memories of my childhood. They were calm, vivid memories of carefree existence among the trees of the lush green gardens. Images of brightly colored flowers, bushes, and exotic plants freely flooded my tired mind.

A dark grey cloud covered the sun, and the sweet shadow cooled my dry body. The entire sky became grey cloud. Soft, cold rain began showering down in light drops. The air grew cooler, and my breath was deeper. I watched as plants and trees grew right before my eyes, in thick undergrowth. It was the familiar garden of my childhood.

Stumbling through this newfound terrain, a cold blue body of water rested before me. I bathed my body, and drank heartily from its flowing wells. I knew this was the beginning of a new era.

The End

Alf

Some of you may remember the obscure 80's hit comedy, ALF. (ALF stands for "Alien Life Form".) I rented one of the discs of the second season, because it had the ALF Christmas Special on it. I watched it at home one morning, before I had to go to work.

Admittedly, the only reason I wanted to rent ALF was for the cheesey humor. I mean, the acting is hilariously cheesey, and some of the one-liners about eating cats, and ALF's home world Melmac are unbelievably bad. However, when I watched the Christmas Special, ladies and gentlemen, I actually cried. It was one of the most tender and heartfelt Christmas specials I've ever seen in my life.

ALF goes up to a cabin with his adopted family to spend Christmas in a cabin that Willy (the family's low budget Dad) stayed in when he was a child. ALF starts trouble when he opens all the gifts, ruins the food, and complains nonstop. Willy gets enraged and yells at ALF, telling him to leave the cabin to "take a long walk." ALF climbs into the back of a delivery truck, and ends up in a pile of toys. These toys were being delivered to needy children in a hospital. ALF gets handed out as a stuffed animal to a young girl with a terminal disease. She is a kind-hearted young girl, who discovers that ALF is a real, living creature. ALF is moved by her story, and connects with her feelings of fear and loneliness.

Later, ALF stops an elderly man from jumping off a bridge. The man's wife has died, and he does not want to continue in this cold uncaring world alone. ALF gently explains that he makes a difference in the world, and that he needs to stick around to continue his mission of helping people.

One of the reasons I love going back and watching obscure pop culture gems from the 80's is because every so often you uncover a treasure of value. I hope your Christmas season this December is filled with true giving. Remember those who have less, and who are genuinely needy. Don't turn your back on those who ask for help. As a cheesey 80's puppet has reminded me, Christmas is about love and giving, which is more blessed than receiving.

War of the Worlds

With my recent newfound delight in Netflix, and so many strange and exciting holiday films hitting theatres, I've considered starting up a movie critique blog. I've found that I thoroughly enjoy commenting and reviewing films for my friends to read. And, since I enjoy more obscure films at times, (thanks to Netflix), I would love to review them for people to read.

However, I find it trying at times to manage one blog, much less two. But, keep checking back in the near future for this new blog development.

That being said, I had the privelage of watching Steven Speilberg's brand new version of War of the Worlds last night. Unfortunately, I had to rent it through Blockbuster. But, I guess that's another blog entry entirely.

We all remember the weirdness that happened when this film came out. Tom Cruise began going insane, going crazy on Oprah and embarassing Speilberg. He got into a verbal fight with Matt Lauer on Good Morning America, or one of those morning shows. I actually got up early to watch that one. People were actually worried about Cruise's mental well-being, and everyone was asking questions about his feirce loyalty to the Scientology cult. And, Cruise was squirted in the face with a water gun at the London premiere of War of the Worlds, and handled it with surprising grace and poise. Then, who could forget the whole Katie Holmes publicity mess? I got sick of hearing about it. With Tom Cruise providing a one-man walking circus, it seemed like War of the Worlds was sabatoged and upstaged from the beginning. Even near the end of the publicity run, Steven Speilberg expressed concern for Cruise's over-the-top Scientology rants. Speilberg was hesitant to continue supporting Tom, even though WOTW was about to hit theatres.

What an introduction for a summer blockbuster. With all of that said, I don't think the movie itself got a fair shake. People were so distracted and preoccupied (and rightfully so) by all the strange things going on, most people didn't even care about War of the Worlds by the time it came out. However, when I saw it on a giant big screen Sony, the dust had long since settled with the "real life" soap opera surrounding it. So, I felt that I could fairly evaluate this film, and enjoy it for what it was.

Tom Cruise, like him or loathe him, gets a solid B- from me for his performance in this one. I don't always like him, but when the right role comes along, he's perfect. The character of Ray seems like it's almost on the outer fringes of Tom's ability at times, but the performance is delivered nicely. Dakota Fanning is good. The guy that plays Ray's son is great. I have mixed feelings about Tim Robbins in it. He plays a semi-crazy ex-cab driver who fled to the country to escape the alien attacks. Robbins' character is vaguely similar to the one he played in Mystic River, which is why I sort of feel mixed about it. Overall, he's great, though.

The story focuses on this one family unit, as the world comes under attack by aliens. There is not the same grand scope as, say, Deep Impact, or Independence Day. The characters are darker, and more personal. To me, I enjoyed that aspect of it.

The writing is fairly good. It's not weighed down with too much pointless dialouge, and there are no cheesey one-liners that often plague "end-of-the-world" films like this one.

Now, about the direction. Speilberg has created some weird ones his last few times out of the gate. Minority Report, in my opinion, is the worst Speilberg film ever. Many people didn't like A.I., but I was interested in it. With that being said, I think Speilberg sort of had something to prove to himself with War of the Worlds. (Even though he surpassed having anything to prove to the general public after E.T. !!!) I think he wanted to prove to himself that he's still culturally relevant. He wanted to prove to himself that he can still crank out giant blockbusters, with style and unique vision. In those regards, War of the Worlds is successful.

It is also beautifully filmed. Speilberg seems very specific about the type of imagery in every scene. I was taken by the colorful tones and sweeping landscapes. Also, the special effects are truly spectacular.

There are a few things that weigh this film down, however, and keep it from being a real classic. First, it lacks a feeling of being truly epic. The focus is on one family, which was the obvious intent. But, it tends to hold back the full potential. Another thing that weighs it down is the neverendingly dark tone. It could've stood a little more humor, a lighter note here and there. It was just such a downer. Personally, it wasn't too dark for my taste. But, for a mass audience, I can understand how it's a bummer. And, the ending. I won't give it away, but the way it ends had me asking, "So,...what's the point?" And, that may be the biggest flaw of this film. What's the point?

pirates

About a year ago, I had the chance to be an extra in Pirates of the Caribbean parts 2 and 3. Disney is filming both sequels at once. It would've meant being transported to the Caribbean for about six months, and very little pay. My friend and I considered this prospect very seriously. The prospect of being in these movies and being in the Caribbean was very tempting.

Ultimately, however, I made the decision to move back to Tennessee around that time. So, no extra work for me!

Today, on the radio, I heard that the cast and crew filming in the Caribbean has been attacked by actual pirates. Looters, or some kind of random thugs, have been stealing, breaking things, and threatening lives. A few actors (extras, I'm assuming) have quit and left the island for fear of their lives! I'm glad that gig didn't work out.

class is in session

Well, Thanksgiving is mere hours away. It's that wonderful time of seeing family, stuffing your face, and sinking into a deep abyss of mindless stupidity as you doze in front of the television watching football.

I gained a Bachelors degree from a quality private college institution. I've had years and years of school growing up. My intelligence may be in question, but the years of sitting in the classroom are without dispute. Yet, sadly, my knowledge of Thanksgiving history is limited. If I wrote a chapter in a History textbook about Thanksgiving, it would go as follows:

Some people in England were tired of being pushed around by the church of England. So, compounded with a general weariness and disdain for their lifestyle, they climbed aboard three ships: The Mayflower, Santa Maria, and the...uh...it'll come to me in a minute.

So, after months of sickness and hardship, they reached America. They all had hats, and buckles on their shoes. Most of their outfits were black. After fighting Native Americans (or, "Indians"), and teaching them how to scalp people, things kind of settled down.

At some vague point, the "pilgrims" had an outdoor picnic kind of thing, where they had turkey, dressing, and cranberry sauce. I think they invited some Indians.

I hope your Thanksgiving is full of joy, family togetherness, and a vague misguided ignorance about its history, just as mine will be.

Jim Henson

Jim Henson's story is one of destiny. Having an interest in television in the mid-50's, he was involved in theatre at the University of Maryland. A local NBC affiliate there invited Jim and a friend (Jane, who he later married) to perform a five minute segment on a late night news show. The show lasted for a few years, and during that time Jim crafted and experimented with the Muppets concept. He coined the term "Muppet" during those years by combining the word puppet with marionette.

As these bizarre late night puppets gained popularity, more characters were created. The Muppets world also expanded, reaching to television shows, TV special appearances (including the first season of SNL in the 70's), and eventually becoming a giant enertainment conglomerate.

There are several things that inspire me about the Muppets. First, Jim Henson genuinely added depth, emotion, and creativity to his characters. They seem to have so much life! I feel as if Kermit and Miss Piggy are real living people! Secondly, there is a true gentleness and kindness to the whole Muppet world. Jim Henson, quite deliberately, strove to create an optimistic world that reflected love, caring, and humor. Thirdly, Jim Henson's creations are totally original. He did not create these characters in order to "break in" to show biz. He was interested in television, but he was not greedy or power hungry. He did not follow a formula in creating the Muppets. It was a true artistic creation rooted in his genuine passions and imagination.

I think that's why his lovable creatures connect with so many millions of people. Jim Henson has made a big impact on the culture of the world, with pure imagination and passion. That is inspiring, and worth commemorating.

Gameboy Micro

Have you heard of the new Nintendo Gameboy micro? It's the latest from Nintendo. With Gameboy sales in somewhat of a slump lately, and with the holidays coming up, they released this little bad boy.

I played one yesterday in a video game store. I knew it was going to be small, but seriously, the thing is tiny. It's the same size as my cell phone. It could easily fit in my shirt pocket. And, the graphics and screen quality are amazing. They're only $80, which is relatively cheap for a piece of brand new video game hardware. They look like a lot of fun. They take Gameboy Advance games. Which means, you could play Super Mario Brothers 3 on it! Or, old Atari games. It's mindblowing, really.

netflix, I guess

It's a rainy day here in East Tennessee. Nothing too eventful has happened lately. At least, nothing I could articulate in my presently groggy state.

I am somewhat enjoying Netflix. If you're not familiar with it, it's video rental over the internet. After my friend Mike preached it to me for a few years, and my friend Andy gave me a free month, I finally broke down and decided to try it. So far, I am fairly satisfied. On a scale of 1-10, I guess I would give it a 7.

The upside:
1. Well-designed web site.
2. Fantastic selection.
3. Convenience of not leaving my house to go to the video rental place.
4. It's cheap (10 dollars per month).
5. I'm fighting the corporate beast. (I think we all know which video rental beast I speak of.)
6. I can brag to my friends that I have Netflix, so my social status goes up a couple of points.

The downside
1. Sometimes it takes the DVD's several days to arrive in the mail, even though it's only supposed to take one day.
2. Video renting is not as spontaneous.
3. No more weird, smelly video rental stores!!!
4. I only get one DVD at a time.
5. I often have to watch the movies at awkward or inconvenient times in order to get them back in the mail.
6. I'm wasting all my time watching pointless schlock.

Overall, though, I'm satisfied with it. Click here to see their site.

southern cuisine

Living in the south certainly has its ups and downs. There are things to love and things to loathe, like any place. One of the biggest down sides of living in the region I live in is that it is fairly boring most of the time. I have great friends and family, but staring at empty cow fields takes a toll after a while.

One of the greatest things about living in the south is the quality of food. Southern cuisine is unapologetically decadent, and sometimes over-the-top. Much southern food is also really good for you. The south has certainly come along way with technology in the last twenty years ago, what with our e-lectricity and shoes and whatnot. With cell phones and the internet, it's truly turning into a global community.

Today I was reminded of my southern roots. My parents recently joined a little Baptist church in the small town of Athens, TN. The people there are wonderful. However, they are certainly extremely southern. My parents told me the story of their experiences in their sunday school class. Before the "class" started, the members of the class sat around and "chewed the fat" for a few minutes. One older woman was telling everyone how beautiful her new shotgun was. She was telling them all about the pearl handle. No, really.

My mother also recently got a church cookbook. If you're not familiar, most churches in the south have cookbooks filled with recipes submitted from women in the church. My mom was quite impressed with the East Athens Baptist Church cookbook, until running across one entry of particular interest.

Now, I know some of you faithful blog readers are not as familiar with the south. And, in fact, you've probably already cracked up at this blog entry at some of the absurdities described in small town life. Indeed, it is a de-light. However, this one takes the cake. For you see, there is an entry in this cookbook for Baked Possum. That's the point where I may lose some of you. But, trust me, it's real. This is NOT A JOKE. It is in this cookbook, submitted by a man named Jerome.

Baked Possum

Catch a live possum. Put it in a pen for 7 days. Feed it cornmeal dough and fresh water. Kill, skin, and dress it. Wash thoroughly. Place in a roaster pan, sald and pepper thorougly inside and out. Place 7 or 8 medium-sized clean sweet potatoes around meat. Cover with roaster lid or aluminum foil, bake in oven at 350 degrees for 3 hours or until done.

Wow. Most times, I'm proud to be from Tennessee. There is a rich history here. And, the roots of American pop culture in Tennessee are amazing. There is also a lot of beautiful scenery and wonderful natural landmarks. However, when I read about baked possum, it puts things back into perspective for me!!

I want my MTV!

I am a young guy. 26 years old. I don't really feel old, and in fact I feel younger than my age most of the time. However, there are a handful of things that make me feel the perspective of my age. One of these things is MTV.

It seems like MTV used to be for all ages when it first came out. Crusty old rockers, as well as young teenagers were captivated by the new music video format. Now, when I watch some of those old early 80's videos, they're so incredibly cheesey, I can't believe they were on TV. They seemed so fun and charming. At the time, they were "edgy". And, as a kid, I used to watch MTV when I wasn't supposed to! I remember watching Michael Jackson videos when they were new! I know, it seems like an eternity ago.

Then, there was the middle school phase. This was the phase when MTV got much darker. They were showing Metallica, and grundge hit the scene. Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Green Day, and a whole host of heavy metal and early 90's alternative videos ruled MTV. Late night MTV was filled with an array of low budget, and absolutely bizarre animated shows and theme shows. Not the least of which was Beavis and Butthead. Then, Dr. Dre made a little video called "G Thang", and the world was changed forever. (Or, at least pop culture changed!) Now, the gangsta rap video was mainstream. All of these developments seemes monumental to my young mind. In retrospect, it seems impossible that my parents, and my friends' parents, were pretty much completely oblivious to these giant shifts in pop culture.

I enjoyed MTV when I was in high school, somewhat. It got a bit stale to me my junior and senior years of high school. I never got into "Puff Daddy" videos, and rock never recovered from the loss of grundge.

Now, at age 26, MTV seems quite foreign to me. I mean, I enjoy "Cribs", I vaguely liked "Ozzbournes" during its prime. And now, I have to admit, I have occassionally watched (and laughed at) Laguna Beach. But, for the most part, most MTV shows are really boring to me. What was once edgy has now swelled into a worldwide corporation. There are no real shows on MTV anymore that are that bold, or dark, like the early 90's. I guess I'm just getting old.

Everyone on there looks so young. TRL, a show that screams "after school entertainment", is filled with a studio audience of fifteen year old screaming girls. And, I'm pretty sure I'm older than every VJ on there. Exit Carson Daly, enter new generation of mediocre MTV puppets. They're all fairly bland, and their clothes look more like costumes than "cool" hipster rock clothes. I don't know any of the bands on the countdown, and I rarely know any of the guests that visit the show. Truly, the MTV train has left without me in recent years.

Gone are the days of home video camera quality videos, and obscure late-night shows. Am I getting old?