My New Blog! (again)

Considering that I am already running three other Blogs, the worst thing I could possibly do is open another, am I right?

Probably, but that hasn't stopped me from opening Celebrity Pix World

Skinwalkers

Saw this movie last night...

It was kind of..um...awful. Frankly, the only reason I watched it in the first place was because Rhona Mitra was in it.

She's simply stunning and in Hollywood, utterly unique looking.

But the movie was..shit!
3/10

The Invasion, Black Sheep and Wind Chill

Here are short reviews of three films which I recently watched:

The Invasion:



Movie remakes are always terrible, right? Is this remake of the original "Body Snatchers" any good?

Not really. In terms of paying homage the to original film it really doesn't do a whole lot. The problem is that while it wasn't the worst film of all time, I struggled to see the point of making it in the first place; other than to cash inject the stars bank accounts of course...

On the positive side, both Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig, despite the lacklustre script, put on an impressive acting job. The Alien-infected humans were pretty creep too...

Verdict: They shouldn't have bothered making this film.
7.0/10

Wind Chill:



The only thing I could think while watching this movie was: "did they film this in Alberta? Perhaps Jasper, or maybe Banff?". Turns out much of the movie was filmed in British Columbia; up by Brenda Mines Road, Peachland and Manning Park.

As for the movie..meh. The manor in which it started off was quite excellent; almost reminiscent to that of an X-Files episode. It preaches isolation, fear and a whole other bunch of stuff that makes a great horror film, but from the middle section and on, it takes a plunge becoming rather boring and uncool. Quite a shame..

Verdict: Not really worth watching
6.5/10

Black Sheep:



Suffice to say, only New Zealand would make a film like this. I mean where else are you likely to see aggressive man-eating sheep ripping people's limbs off with blooding squirting everywhere? Exactly - no where. Not to mention, people turning into were-wolf like sheep men..

Furthermore, the way in which they present the movie is in a serious fashion, rather than comical. Actually, despite what it sounds like, it's not a comedy. It's a quirky cult film and most definitely worth watching if that's your kind of thing.

It also should be noted that the entire cast (oh, all 7 or so) are complete unknowns. The girl of the film, Danielle Mason, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen on the silver screen. I mean, holy shit.

And her name in the film, is as equally sexy and interesting as she is: Experience. That's an absolutely awesome name.

Oh, and don't go typing her name in Google because you'll be unsuccessful as she's often confused with a model who has the identical name and has only stared in one movie: Black Sheep, of course.

Verdict: Quirky cult film worth watching
8.0/10

The Early Years

Having just read through James' Blog (a friend and fellow member on GermanCarZone), my memories of my early years in both Elementary and Junior High School have arisen. He himself, made a post about his early school years and what they were like; his persona, his friends, his times. Mighty good post it was and while I hate being an unoriginal bastard, It's a subject which I would now like to touch on.

I am saddened to say that most of my Elementary years have vanished from my mind, but I do have one and last remaining class photo from my co-joined 5th and 6th grade class. These are earliest of years which I can remember, not only because of the photo, but because of enjoyment.

The particular school (a public one) which I was in had a number of classes which taught two grades in one class room with a number of teachers. Cannot recall the exact details, but every class room had it's own room; classification if you will, and ours (as I wrote on the photo long ago) was "Room 14". Room 14 was our class' 'base' and this is where we had our 'home base' teacher, Mrs. Fekete. We would take a number of classes in our home room, but would head to other rooms (which naturally, were home rooms of other classes) to take such subjects as Gym, Astrology, etc.

It sounds like a bloody mess, but it really wasn't that bad. This was a normal practice in Alberta through out the mid to late 1990's. Not sure if it's done anymore, but I can't see any reason why It wouldn't be. While it was an efficient way of costing cutting, I don't believe that any us directly "suffered" from curriculum aimed at two different grades.

Anyhoo, I honestly cannot recall whether I was in the 5th or 6th grade at the time which the photo was taken. Thankfully, I don't have to struggle to remember the name of anyone in the photo as I wrote each and every persons name out on the back of the photo (from row to row, left to right).

It's an odd photo If I may say so. Most everyone looking normal, except for a few individuals - myself included. I am the only individual in the photo with my eyes more or less closed with a stupid smile on my face; don't ask me why, but the majority of my school pictures were taken like this. The other misfits in the photo are Joel - who's not looking forward, but rather smiling with his face completely aimed to the right (as if the camera was over there) and Olivia and Leo with straight faces only seen on children who were brought a lump of coal for Christmas. Everyone else (the other 25) look relatively human, displaying the false smile which they're expected to have when they're parents paid for them to be in that photo.

So then, before I go into my memories of each of my class mates in the photo, I think it's only fair to describe what kind of youngster I was, who my friends were, what my grades were.

For starters, it must be said I was never the "jock", never the "popular" one, never the "loner" or "nerd", but rather the "guy" who couldn't really be stereotyped as anything. The only thing I can confidently say is that I had next to no enemies and was one who was generally accepted and liked by most everyone. No bragging intended, but it's an attribute which I have to this day; I very much believe I am still respected and liked by most everyone I encounter.

There were a few individuals who I disliked, but I honestly cannot recall "hating" anyone per se. And thankfully, my school days were nearly absent from ridicule or bullies. I only recall one guy who was a bit of a prick and decided to pick on me once or twice. I saw him three or so years ago when he was working at a A&W. He didn't recognize me, but I recognized him and even though I suffered very little emotional damage (that was emo, wasn't it?) it, I wanted to ring his neck like a towel.

I of course should take time to mention my many friends at the time; not those were just in my class, but those who were in other rooms.

My "room 14" friends were: Patrick (a giant of a guy - not really overweight, but just big), Ian (who cares, but who was slightly overweight), Chen (his English was quite poor, but he was a great guy), Kyle (entertaining Jewish fellow) and Leo, who a who would later become one of my best friends (from the Philippines) . Outside of my homeroom: Colin (hugely tall guy with red hair and of Irish decent); Brendan (very cool guy); Karl (who looked towards religion after his family had some great financial troubles) and Neil (Mr. Starwars and a human calculator). I know there were more, but that's as many as this shattered memory can remember.

As I mentioned above, Leo, is a guy who later become one of the greatest friends. Honestly, I hardly noticed him through out the majority of Elementary school, but once we got to know each other we became friends in an instant. It's a friendship which lasted for many years - certainly into Junior High - but one day, things got a little to messy. On this particular day (while we chatted on MSN), he said something along the lines: "you're writing is awful, please make coherent sentences because it's annoying reading mindless dribble". Naturally, being offended by what he had said, a fight broke out and shortly put, our friendship was over. We haven't talked since and I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a tragedy.

Mind you, one of my absolute best friends wasn't even in my grade, in fact he was a few behind. I know I've mentioned him before, but his name was Alex and he lived just a short distance from me. We were great friends despite our age difference, and looking back on it, I'd say he was most likely my favourite friend. The day I left for Washington State (after 4 years of friendship), was really the last time I ever had real contact with him. Saw him a few times afterwords, but never "got" into it - if you know what I mean.

Girls:

Girlfriends? No chance in hell; after all, these were the days when catching cooties was an epidemic. Girls were just girls, there wasn't anything particular attractive about them. Although, I do remember I had a crush on a girl named Amy. She has a twin sister (Megan) and while the two looked nearly identical, I can't say I had much affection for Megan. Amy on the other hand, was typical strawberry red haired girl with freckles. Lindsay Lohan comes to mind, but without the trashiness. As to her status in our little classroom, I think it's safe to say she was highly popular. Out of my league? Perhaps, but that didn't stop me from sending her a love note one particular day. She showed that note to all of her friends, never did tell her it was me that sent it to her though.

I truthfully wonder what she looks like now a days.

Other than her, I they're were was maybe one other girl which I considered "likable". Her name was Emily and she lived just a few blocks from my house. She was always very nice too, perhaps a little too nice.. if you catch my drift. Had we been older, I think it would have most definitely had a boyfriend/girlfriend type of situation.

Embarrassing Moments?

Frankly, none until 5th grade (I believe it was 5th anyways). I accidentally pissed my pants and I'm fully aware that it sounds hilarious. Well, it wasn't, especially on the day it happened. The reason as to why it actually happened was because of a small bladder problem which I had since a very young age. It had been a huge burden for me through my early days and one day, unable to make a visit to the bathroom, the unthinkable happened. I remember I had been trying to hide it, but somebody eventually noticed and when they did, it was a bloody field day. Out in the hallways making some kind of arts and krafts, a kid by the name of Russell had noticed and said "OMG, you pissed you're pants". He then preceded to say he was going to run back to class and tell everyone else. And I distinctly remember my friend Brendan telling him - "no, don't, it's not right". Of course,at that age, hurting someones feelings aren't to be considered. He went back and told everyone.

Walking home that day, with my head and shoulders slumped in shame, was unforgettable. What was even worse was that I was unsure how fellow class mates would treat the situation the next day. I begged my father to let me stay home the day after this happened, but he said it would only make things worse. In any event and much to my surprise, I was never teased or ridiculed on what had happened. I suppose the reasons being as I mentioned, people generally liked me. Nothing which could be considered embarrassing happened to me before, or after that incident. I only recall it being mentioned twice after that and not in a manor which was making fun of me, but rather the situation.

The faces:

So then, what do I generally remember of the faces in the photo which I have? I shall go left to right (row to row):

Shamone (can't recall anything other than she was nice); Amy (well, you know); Patrick (cool guy); Mirslav (more or less our foreign exchange student); Vanessa (tall and had a sister named Mandy); Serenity (quiet and smart); Cathy (smart); Harty (energetic); Lindsey (don't recall a whole lot); Ian (already mentioned); Kyle (already mentioned); Andrew M (smart, skinny, tall); Bruce (idiot); Megan S (smart); Chen (already mentioned); Kirk (cool guy); Andrew (smart ass, some what cocky); Joel (good guy); Olivia (disliked her, she disliked me); Colin (not the same guy mentioned above; this guy who had no T.V. and we all thought he was strange because of that); Leo (already mentioned); Meryl (smart girl, but quite arrogant); Magnus (he may have been young, but he was so good at skate boarding he was eventually sponsored by a number outfits); Jenny (don't remember much about her); Elisha (ditto); Luke (cool guy).

Others not in my class which I remember:

Rory (the guy who's family had it all, until his dad lost his job and they were forced to move to a lower income house); Keaton (he had a catchy last name); Kristie (the Britney Spears of school); Brett (his parents started the hugely popular swimwear company, SWIMCO); Zoe (lived on my street, didn't like her that much).

Grades:

Well, I was well doing well in every subject except one. Can you guess which one? It was math and it's always been a vice for my mind. I'm absolutely awful at math and through out my earlier years I had to have much help from both my parents and school. In fact, I was once pulled aside every math class with a few others (from other rooms and what-not) to receive special math education. It was later dropped as my father thought it was disrupting my flow and interaction with my class.

Ritalin

My inability to learn math in a manor which most did, led me to being put on Ritalin. They said I was too hyper and thus was causing a lack of concentration in my classes, particularly in the morning. I was on that stuff for a while, but it eventually started doing the exact opposite of what it was supposed to. Rather than calming me down, it was putting me to sleep.

Truth is, I never should have been put on that garbage.

Phew..given my in-depth detail you might gather the impression that what I am writing is current, rather the a thing of the past. Trust me though, it is of the past, 8+ years ago in fact. My memory has yet to fade in this regard; I remember this stuff like it was yesterday; perhaps because it was a time when my life was stable.

The year of 1998, was undoubtley the best one I have thus far into my life. This was the year when my mother moved out of the house (because of differences with my father), the year when my father got his Lexus SC400, and the year when me and him partied like there was tomorrow. That was year, to say the least, which was full of enjoyment in every form. My school year was fantastic as I did tons of stuff with my both my father and friends. The actual details of that fateful year, other than it was great, are starting to fade.

Junior High:

Junior High, eh? By the time I entered Junior High, both me and my father had made the big leap of moving to the United States. And from there on, we moved back and forth. I've been to three different junior high schools and certainly can't even recall the names of the friends I had; can't recall much of anything.

The day we moved to Washington state, was the day my life changed. Things changed, hard troubles were forthcoming (as mentioned here). It's all a giant blur, but I suppose I'll give it go.

Washington State, wow... that was quite a while ago. I remember the faces of the friends which I had, but not they're names. The only name which comes to mind is Danielle (a girl who I thought who looked like Heather Graham) and was best friends with a girl who I had a crush on. As for the girl I had a slight crush on, I'm pretty sure her name started with a K..

Tis was a different experience. I was very much impressed by their school operations and teaching methods. Although, they were perhaps, a little too heavy on the whole American history thing. People often referred to me as the "goofy Canadian" who pronounced the alphabet with a "Zed", and said "a-gain", rather than "a-gane".

I seriously cannot remember what happened after returning to Canada and what-not. That should be an indication of how messy my life's really been.

All I know was that I eventually went to the JHS where many of my friends from Elementary school had gone and naturally, was happy to reacquaint with a number of them. They all looked older, but were the same great bunch I had remembered. That's not to say people hadn't changed though. I remember smoking both cigarettes and pot was a huge deal among the majority; especially the Irish bloke, Colin, which I spoke of earlier. He was addicted to that stuff and I wouldn't be the last bit surprised if he was a pot-head right now.

Met a number of new friends too.

From there on, my memories blur like a supercar at 200mph; my moving to different cities has only left the many bad memories.

High School:

See the above

So yeah, there's an appropriate history of my early days. I often think to myself: "where are these people now"; "have they achieved what they wanted in life"; "have they seen rough times"; "what do they look like now?"

I heard a little bit about some of them over the years and I gather that they've never experienced anything that changed their life. While I was struggling to find to foot in our little world, I imagine all they ever did was continue to live their life. I'm envious in that regard.

I'd be lying If I said my life had turned out like I expected (and I didn't expect anything other than it would be "normal"). Yeah, life's not over (I'm still young!), but the last 7 years of my life has been nothing but a ton of disasters. I feel like I've lost a great deal of my life time. Struggling, wading, jumping, skipping and hanging on.

Do I feel sorry for myself? Yeah, I do and If I told you my entire life's story up to this point, you'd see why. Strange times they've been; I often wish none of it would have ever happened. It's nobody's fault per se, it's just (as Ray on Trailer Park Boys says): "that's the way she fucking goes".

Suffice to say, I miss my Early days like an old friend.

Never Fails to Impress

Picture taken this past Sunday night at the Teen Choice Awards and as per usual, Sophia looks absolutely smoking hot.

More Music

I have yet to mention that on the weekend, I picked up a couple of new CD's (yes, I hate Ipod). Picked up the "Platinum and Gold Collection: Thompson Twins" - who by the way, are unearthly awesome - and Loreena McKennit's "Parallel Dreams". The latter of which I had a long while back, but as far as I recall It was taken to a pawnshop in search of money to feed myself.

Anyways.. Loreena McKennit is also, well, unearthly. If there was ever an Angel put on earth by God, she would most certainly be it. Her music most always puts me to tears; there's undoubtedly a certain magic about it.

The Mystic's Dream:



And while were on the subject of great music...Rush. Before you go on, yes, I do listen to other music than Rush, but there isn't a day where I don't listen to Rush. So, pipe off! In any event, I am as of right now listening to Rush's 1982 album, "Signals". It's an album often criticized for an overuse of synthesizers and lack of guitars, but I could not disagree more; in fact, I think "Signals" is one of their greatest achievements. But what I really cannot believe is how much this band has evolved. I mean think about it, 19 studio albums in 3 decades.

They never were a conventional band. For starters, it's almost unheard for a band to stay with the exact same members for such a time, let alone the fact that there are just three of them. That always shocks me, you expect at least four, but no, here is a band with just three members who are all master of their instruments, have been around for 3 decades and have experimented with countless styles - from Led-Zeppelin inspired metal, to hard rock, to synth, to pop, to rock to..whatever the hell you want to call it.

Who ever thought that in 1982, Rush would continue to release albums through out next 2 decades? Whoever thought that all band members at the age of 54, would release an album and tour in 2007? And honestly, I never thought that when they released "Snakes & Arrows", it would be as good as it is..

I'm absolutely struck dumb that they are this committed to making music. God damn, I love this band.

Hayden Panettiere

Hayden Panettiere is bar none the biggest, most popular and hottest teenager on television at the moment. Truthfully though, I didn't even really know who she was until a month ago, nor was I aware that she was staring in a television program called "Hero's". After all, I've never seen the show as I don't have cable television, but as time has passed on, the talk revolving Hayden has done nothing but sky rocket.

Thing is though, she is by no means new to television and I have in fact seen her before; anyone else remember her as Malcolm's annoying blond-haired friend on "Malcolm in the Middle"? It took me a little while to remember her face, but once I did I could not believe how much she's grown up. She's now a fine (and sexy) young woman.

To further prove my point, take a look at these scans from the recent British FHM magazine.





Amazingly, Hayden just turned 18 on the 21st of this month.

September 20th, 2006

The particular day aforementioned in the title of this post, was something truly horrific for most car enthusiasts - myself included. This was the day when Top Gear's (a British automotive program) Richard Hammond was involved in a 288 mph crash in a Jet-powered drag car which nearly cost him his life. Richard's aim that day was to set a new British land speed record and unsurprisingly the dragster he crashed, (referred to as the "Vampire) already held the current record at an insane 300 mph.

The crash was so bad that Hammond's (or affectionately referred to as "Hamster") doctors said he could slip into a timeless coma or suffer extreme-brain damage.

When it first happened, I could only think "oh lord, I hope he's ok". But as more details of the crash flooded in, it was looking like Richard may be a cripple, or perhaps somewhat retarded for the rest of his life. I remember when I first told my father (also an avid Top Gear viewer) of the news and his attitude was something like: "what an idiot, what the hell was he doing?". His voice was trembling, his attitude was semi-aggressive; I could tell he was only saying so to keep it together. I fully believe he was just a few steps away from tears and I know the whole incident affected him more than he was portraying.

Personally, this news was every bit as shocking and upsetting as it happened to a member of my family. I think every one was upset, but that day, I learned something new of myself as I had a relevation. I am man enough to admit that I cried like a baby. And yeah, I'm not kidding.

Despite having never met, or even seen Richard in person, his accident had a profound effect on me and with each news update, I continued to hang onto the edge of my computer chair biting my nails hoping he would come out of this unscathed.

When news eventually arrived that he was ok, I suppose I hadn't realized how much him (or Top Gear for that matter) had implemented it's self into my little life; I never really realized the appreciation I had for Hamster up until this point.

Had Richard lost his life that awful day, I'm honestly not sure how I would have handled it. But, let us not dwell on what could have been - things weren't looking too good, but amazingly, Richard walked away from this terrible crash without incident. One of the luckiest individuals around.

Appetite Suppressants

1. To put an end to forcibly; subdue.
2. To curtail or prohibit the activities of.
3. To keep from being revealed, published, or circulated.
4. To deliberately exclude (unacceptable desires or thoughts) from the mind.

When I get the craving for food, whether that be a chocolate bar or a juicy steak, I've always stuck by one suppressant. And while It's not some vicious drug, it's not exactly good for you.. The answer my friend, is a blowing in the wind

Diet Coke! Sure, it doesn't have the classical and preferred taste of regular Coke, but it's a good quick fix. Unfortunately though, studies have linked Aspartame to causing a selection of negative side-affects which can vary from individual; hell, even cancer is linked to it.

Yeahh..see what I just did? Rather then telling you how to suppress you're appetite, I told you could get cancer from drinking items with Aspartame. Make no mistake, Aspartame is up there with the worst of drugs. And honestly, I drink tons of this stuff. I get the occasional dizzy spell, but haven't had any real issues yet; clearly though, I need to stop drinking it.

While were on the subject; I remember when I first had a taste of Diet Coke (some 5+ years ago) and thought it was the most repulsive thing on earth. It was at my uncles house and I thought I could improve the taste by dumping spoonfuls of sugar into it..lol!

Now, what the hell was the point of this post again?

Weekend Video's (#23 - Cover Special pt.2)

In continuation with last week's theme:

The Barenaked Ladies - "Lovers in A Dangerous Time" (1991)

"Lovers in a Dangerous Time" is a song by Bruce Cockburn, originally released on his 1984 album Stealing Fire. The song was a Top 40 hit for Cockburn, peaking at #25 on the Canadian charts the week of August 18, 1984.



Sam Roberts - "Steel Rail Blues" (2006)

"Steel Rail Blues" is a song written, composed and performed by Legendary Canadian folk signer Gordon Lightfoot and released on his 1964 debut album, "Lightfoot!"



Rush - "Heart Full of Soul" (2004)

"Heart Full of Soul" is a 1965 single by the British Invasion band The Yardbirds. It charted in the U.S. at #9 and #2 in the UK.

Feeling Good

Not that anyone cares, but I am happy to announce that I'm feeling pretty damn good today.

The temperature is currently 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) as the sun continues to shine it's sparkling rays. It's colder than yesterday (which was quite a blazer), but still more than enjoyable and perfect for my daily walk; which for you're information, I plan to carry out after I blog this.

Been surfing the net all morning while listening to a large variety of musicians. Rush being one of them (of course), but so far this morning I've already played stuff by Men At Work, Dire Straits, English Beat and The Fixx.

And, do you guys remember that frantic tune that goes: "dodo-dodo-dodo-dodododododo" in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" when Ferris is running through the bushes to beat his sister to their home? Well, that's what I was just rocking out too.

If you're interested in the song, It's done by the English Beat and is called: "March of the Swivelheads"

"Jesus Camp"

Let me tell you, there are few things in the world that get me infuriated like religion - specifically that which is Christianity.

I watched the film "Jesus Camp" last night and could do nothing but continue to shake my head in disbelief.

You see, I'm an atheist and a believer of Mr. Darwin. I very much believe we are all a product of evolution, and I am one who think it's blatantly ignorant to deny evolution when much evidence exists all-around us.

I personally think the whole "creation is the only answer" thing, is weak and tiring. My opinion is that most God-believing religions are the way for people to believe they were indeed something more than a tiny single-cell organism. If anything, I think the majority of religious followers are merely religious because they are afraid of death. I suppose you can't blame 'em though, most people are afraid of death, especially at a young age. After all, is it not more pleasing believing that when you die you go to Heaven surrounded by Angels, rather than a mound of dirt to be eaten by the earth's worms?

If you haven't heard of the film and/or unaware of what it is, I'll tell you in the simplest of ways: it follows a certain Evangelical who runs a summer Bible Camp.

This film, while indeed good, made me irate with it's various characters. The Woman who runs this camp (Becky Fischer) starts off talking about how in the Middle East they fast for food like there's no tomorrow; implying that they are not only greedy, but take much of what they have for granted. I cannot help but see that as a major contradiction coming from someone who needs to lose as much 100lbs.

What I also found baffling is how they treated George W. Bush as a saint. Haha.. It's amazing how much their religion has blinded them from seeing the real truth about Dubbya and his mission in Iraq.

What continues to shock me (and most everyone else) is how good Becky is at manipulation. These kids - anywhere from 5 to what, 15 years old? - are brought to tears by what Becky and others preach. I specifically like how at one point in the film, Becky implies there are many here (referring to the audience within the church) who are two-faced and actually disbelieving of God and Jesus. Phonies if you will; she then asks those have been unfaithful to come up and be rinsed by the water of Jesus (aka - A $2 bottle of water).

"And the things that we fear, are a weapon to be held against us"
Neil Peart (lyricists for Rush)

She casts her lure out in the pond and the kids (naturally afraid of death and unable to make decisions for themselves) are immediately hooked. These kids are then driven in a direction which makes them believe they have been somehow unrighteous and sinful and need to repent themselves by further worshiping the almighty. What adds for greater comedy is how Becky referred to how kids through out the Middle East are being brainwashed to fight in wars and use machine guns...The irony is that I believe she is no different praying on the innocent and weak hearted.

And as they follow Becky around, they encountered a number of other fundamentalists like herself and other Evangelicals.

Two specific encounters drove me through the roof. The first being a fundamentalist mother who on camera told her two kids that Global Warming was not an issue. Of course, you don't have to be religious to not believe in Global Warming, but the way in which she went about it was so trashy. She said the effect from it would be so little it's very unlikely to hurt us over a long period of time.

Naturally, being one who believes In Global warming and the prevention of further pushing climate change along it's path, this comment angered me very much.

The second was a radio show host who said we should take full advantage of our resources like water, trees and oil because that's what God intended. He says something along the lines that those resources were only put on Earth for us and not to worry about running out because Jesus would soon coming back to take us away. Lol... Is that what many of the past civilizations thought when they made themselves extinct by overusing they're resources? Did they think Jesus was coming back to take them away from this awful place? Furthermore, if so, where was Jesus? In a Bombay bar having a Martini while letting his worshippers systematically kill themselves?

That is by far, the most idiotic argument I've ever heard.

Lastly,

It didn't take very long to realize that these bunch of Evangelicals are hardcore patriots. These are the same bunch who support President Bush, who most likely drive Ford F150's and who truly believe America is the greatest nation on the earth. That last comment though, seems so arrogant. I cannot think of anything more ignorant than in the way in which they treat the United States of America and it's citizens as God's children. Their logic is that America is God's sole nation.

Wow, I didn't know that. What about the other countries on the earth who also worship Jesus, Allah - whatever they may call 'him' ? On the other hand, I suppose living in Alabama lowers you're awareness of things in the real world; you know, outside their generic mom-and-pop operation.

*Canada has telephones?*

Camp Closed:

What makes me chuckle is that not too long ago the summer Bible camp which Becky Fischer runs, was closed. Mrs. Fischer claims that one of the reason being this film which she very much believes puts their beliefs, etc in a negative light. Mind you, she does admit that when she first saw the finished product she was skeptical about giving out a negative message of brain washing on the religion (go figure..). She did say though, that while it would certainly gather a few negative reactions, it would ultimately help recruit followers. That failed (to say the least) and Mrs. Fischer says another reason for the closing is that apparently 70% percent of their regular children members are somehow defecting and leaving the church for good.

Ouch. Doesn't look like that worked too well, does it? Suffice to say, it's far too expensive to run something like this when you're clients are walking out the door.

Freewill, Religious Activities, The people:

Had you actually taken the time to read through my banter of rant you might have gathered the impression that I am very much against religion. Is that true? No, I am not against religion; I very much believe people have the right to believe what they believe. I am supporter of what we all call, "freewill". Whether you're religious or not is of no concern to me. I will like you no less or no more to learn that you are; a friend is a friend - if you catch my drift.

And while we're on the subject, I must make it clear that never been in a relationship with a female who belongs to any religious organization. Honestly, I don't think it would end to well as If I feel someone is starting to preach their beliefs down my throat, the good 'ol story of evolution and Mr. Darwin is a coming out. I'm pretty touchy when it comes to this stuff, so it would be shame to see a great relationship killed by different beliefs

Now, I don't want you to get the wrong impression, I am in no way saying that every Christian is some hardcore thumper. Despite what sounds like a whole lot of hatered for Christians, I don't view them all (of whatever belief) as bad people (although I DO believe some exist), but I strongly disagree with their beliefs.

Verdict: If there really is a God, you'd think the last thing he'd want is for the world's youth to be brainwashed.

Just Wonderful

Would it be wrong for me to say that I have an affection for Sophia Bush which is just a strong as the one I have for Kate Beckinsale? Well.. I just did.

I know I've said it before, but I cannot even explain how great I think she is.

While she's obviously a cutie, I feel that her attractive strengths stretch far beyond her looks; truthfully, I believe she is a really sweet person. Her public persona is very soft and sweet; Sophia is the kind of girl you want to hug till the end of time. Most definitely the type of girl you want to marry as she has it all - intelligence, a humorous side, beauty, sexiness, maturity, etc.

Below, are some photos taken in North Carolina just yesterday where Sophia attended for a commmunity project beach cleaning.

While I don't doubt this will further add karma to her already great public persona, I truthfully don't think that was her main purpose. I think the reason she did it was because she wanted to; because she's a great person.

She has my utmost respect.

Fashion Sense

So yee ever wondered what a heterosexual male's opinion on female fashion is?

Before we get onto that, let me explain how my interest in female fashion was born. My ever-growing obsession to Kate Beckinsale and the opening of my My Blog dedicated to her, required that I gain a basic knowledge about female fashion (particularly dresses) when posting photos of Kate. Such sparked an interest and I now pay close attention to what various celebrities wear to the Golden Globe Awards, etc.

It's not something that I like to advertise (like I am right now..), because frankly, people might gather impression that I am gay. Nothing wrong with being gay, but I'm not!

Anyways, I shall now enlighten my readers on what type of female fashions and brands which I like. Mind you, I'm still a complete amateur to the fashion world.

So then;

I'll start of by making it clear that I most certainly not a flashy guy; I like classy and understated outfits with low colours. Bright colours are considered 'ok' in my book, but it certainly depends on the hue.

Styles

When it comes to female dresses; I like a 'long' style - something which most definitely extends past knees, and preferably with criss-crossing alternating style on the back of the dress.

Mind you, I certainly don't complain when I see a girl in a skirt/short dress. My only vice is that it most often looks slutty, but if done properly, It can be something wonderful.

As for tops - I appreciate most everything, but I dislike tops which reveal too much cleavage. Something which is too provocative can be mighty distracting to both myself and other males (If you catch my drift).

Actual Outfits/styles:

One of my absolute favourite styles that I've seen on any female is this particular outfit Kate Beckinsale wore a few years ago:


I also love this particular outfit that Lena Headey wore a while back:



I love both of these outfit as they're quite plain, but at the same time, quite classy; and very tasteful. There's no need for any woman dress like a slut to gain attention. As far as I'm concerned, if you're a true beauty it'll show with anything you wear.

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Now, I think I'll go onto a small discussion about specific dresses and their respective manufacturers.

I think Christian Dior makes some of the most fabulous dresses anywhere. Below are examples for you to feast you're eyes on:

"The O.C." star, Mischa Barton, is a great fan of Christian Dior products; below are some of their products which she's worn in the past...

Admittedly, the all-red outfit with the black boots is pretty over the top, but there's still something classy about it; something which only a Christian Dior designer could pull off.

More examples:

From left to right: Nicole Richie; Diane Kruger, Penelope Cruz and Ellen Pompeo



Kate Beckinsale in Christian Dior:



Loris Azzaro:

LA is most definitely on a much smaller public scale than Christian Dior, but they're products are no less impressive. There's a definitve style-trait which all LA dresses share. It's hard to explain, but it's something in the design; always classy, always timeless.

Mischa Barton in Loris Azzaro:



Kate Beckinsale in Loris Azzaro



Celebrity With the Best Overall Outfits:

Well, I'd by lying If I said I wasn't considering Kate Beckinsale; however, I think Rhona Mitra is the king..err..queen that is.



Her vast selection of outfits is nothing short of spectacular. They are all relatively understated, but they're always classy and without a doubt, stunning. I think each one of the above dresses are flawless and I should also mention that I really appreciate her colour choices as well.

Overall Favourite Outfit:

My overall favourite female outfit is the one which Kate Beckinsale wore to the "AFI Lifetime Achievement Award for Meryl Streep" in 2004 . I think this dress is absolutely perfect.



I have yet to find out who the manufacturer of Kate's above dress; if anyone knows, please leave me a comment!

Hope you've enjoyed reading through my thoughts and glancing at the various pictures.

Cheers

Mischa Barton photos thanks to Mischa-B.com
Kate Beckinsale photos thanks to Kbeckinsale.net