Because I'm Wil: June 2006

Monday, June 26, 2006

I Believe In Science

Movie Review: Nacho Libre

From the Director of Napoleon Dynamite, Jared Hess drops presents Nacho Libre. This movie stars Jack Black, Ana de la Reguera, & Hector Jimenez and is a hilarious flick about a orphan turned friar who always dreamed of being a luchador (Mexican Wrestler). He recuits Esqueleto (Jimenez), a homeless man who robs anyone on his turf for nachos, and they together take on the many experienced wrestlers in Lucha Libre.

A very entertaining movie with some predictable parts and some wierd twists. The most memorable part in this flick is when Nacho (Black) sings before one of his big matches. Very Tenacious D style.

If you loved Napoleon you'll like Nacho. Peep it. Definate Owner.

I Believe In Science

Movie Review: Nacho Libre

A very entertaining movie with some predictable parts and some wierd twists. The most memorable part in this flick is when Nacho (Black) sings before one of his big matches. Very Tenacious D style.

If you loved Napoleon you'll like Nacho. Peep it. Definate Owner.

I Believe In Science

Movie Review: Nacho Libre

A very entertaining movie with some predictable parts and some wierd twists. The most memorable part in this flick is when Nacho (Black) sings before one of his big matches. Very Tenacious D style.

If you loved Napoleon you'll like Nacho. Peep it. Definate Owner.

Darn Irish

Movie Review

Tristan & Isolde

Starring James Franco (Spider-Man & Annapolis), Sophia Myles (Underworld & Art School Confidential), and Rufus Sewell (Bless The Child, Knight's Tale, & Legend Of Zorro) this movie shows the dark side of the Irish Kingdom after Roman rule.

Not much to say about this flick except the fight scenes were pretty impressive. Other than that the movie was pretty predictable, something I don't like to hear from people, but if it is it is. It wasn't a bad movie, but then again I'm not sure what more could have been done with the story.

Definiately check it out if you are into midevil romance stories. Borderline Owner.

Saw this on DVD so no friend comment, but if you saw it feel free to give a comment.

Darn Irish

Movie Review

Tristan & Isolde

Darn Irish

Movie Review

Tristan & Isolde

Saturday, June 24, 2006

Zuma Freaks

Awwww man. I'm sure a lot of you heard of this game. It's called ZUMA!!!!!! Man it is extremely addictive. If you like puzzle games like Tetris, Bookworm, & Collapse you will love this one. I had learned during my weekend of seeing my 2nd father that my 3rd sister, Erin is also a lover of games, especially puzzle games.

I got a copy of the game over the weekend and played it on my 2nd Moms computer and got re-hooked. Erin later jumped on and played for a while and she did great for her first try. I'm sure she's playing it as we speak (I left her the 1st copy I baught and purchased another in Texas).

Today my wife tried it out and now she is addicted. Very shocking given she rarely plays games due to her tight schedule. She played for 3 hours today I think. Whoa.

We are taking a break from the game and going to some stores in Frisco & Plano.

Also send your prayers and thoughts to Heather for she is doing better now, but is still not at 100 percent.

Love Ya Girl.

TRY OUT ZUMA........YOU WILL LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

The Future Dynasty Falls

Oh my gosh, our precious Mavericks lost the championship to the Miami Heat. I can understand being a strong a fan, but crying or having a bad day because the team lost that is just ridiculous. Your team and the fans screwed this up by declaring this a new dynasty. They also predict they will sweep the finals after winning 2 straight games at home in the beginning of the playoffs, but uh oh....they lose one in Miami. They brush it of and still felt a dynasty is in the making. Then they lost their second game and they were like oh shoot the series is tied, but still stayed optimistic. They lost the 3rd game in Miami and were all of a sudden behind in the series. The Mavs return to Dallas and they strongly felt they will bounce back and for a while they were doing great, but like in the previous 3 games they dropped the ball and choked for the last time losing the game 95-92 and lost the series to the Heat 4-2.

Man did that game screw up our work flow that night, for we were working an overnight and stayed 2 hours later than predicted, which I did care that it happened. Also hear other fans cry and say things like: "I'm in a bad mood", "I can't work tomorrow", "The officiating was screwed up". No one blames the team and everyone is being freaking babies on this.

Now I am a hard core fan of the Wisconsin teams (Packers, Bucks, Brewers, etc.) even though I live here in Texas, I never reacted like this at all. GET OVER IT!!!!!! The last time I saw this happen was when the Chicago Bears were on the road to the playoffs a few years ago and in the second round of the playoffs they were foolish to play the Bears Super Bowl song from 1985 and they lost the next round. Jinx for real.

I don't know. Just stop crying about this and accept that your team sucks (Just kidding). It's not that horrible. The Mavs did great and got to the Finals.

Congrats to Miami on their first NBA title.

Friday, June 16, 2006

So Hard To Say Goodbye.......

Cuised on up to Minnesota to see my father-in-law, Garth Crouch. Not a very fun drive up (yes I said drive) as we went through some entertaining states (NOT!!!), Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, & Iowa. The trip took 15 hours, wooooo weeee!!!! Man was I warn out. My wife tried to help me out with the drive, but she was too tired from working before we left. We were happy to make it up to St. Charles though and my mother-in-law was very happy to see us.

A few hours after arriving we went to see daddy Crouch at the nursing home and it was a rough time for us. I have seen him in there before during the middle stage of his condition, but in this final stage it was tough. He seemed to be pretty comfortable as they want him to be before he goes. We went back to the house and chilled some more to finish out day one.

Day two started with me, the wife, and mom going up to the Twin Cities to pick up Erin at the airport. It was good to see her. It has been a long time since her wedding. We we back into Rochester and met with Grandma Crouch (Garth's Mother) to have lunch with her. It was nice to see Bernice, too. We ate, had conversation and of course left. We went home watched a few flicks and ended day two.

Day three was short because me, Jen and Naomi for we had to head back, but before we did we went to see Garth to say goodbye for the last time. The first visit, although he was comfortable, he was not very responsive, but the second visit was much better. We played some of his favorite CDs, talked to him and to each other. One of the best things that happened was when I walked and started to talk to him. His eyes were closed, but she slowly opened them. Then he slowly gave a smile. I don't know if it was towards me or he just saw a figure in front of him, but it made my day. We finally said goodbye as he snored away in his bed and headed out.

One thing I wanted to point out before I end his chapter is on Garth roommate. His name was Russell and he has a pretty sweet set up on his side of the room. He has digital cable pumping into a 42" Phillips plasma TV, Cable internet going into his Sony Viao desktop computer, Photo printer and a few accessories. Everytime he had the TV on though he only had it on "The Weather Channel". I have to admit I was pretty impress especially for a man in a nursing home.

Well, it was time to had back to Texas and boy did it suck. Drove through dismal Iowa, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Man those states suck it bad. To top it all off we ended getting trapped in rush hour traffic in Denton, TX. We were stuck for almost two hours, but we finally made it home.

It was good to see everyone, but I really don't want to go through that drive again. Ouch Ouch!!!!!

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Long Journey Home

Well folks, me, my wife and Naomi (my 2nd sister-in-law) are preparing to trek from Texas to Minnesota to Garth L. Crouch, my father-in-law. Unfortunate circumstances (Don't want to get into it now) have moved us to make this visit, which was long over due. I'm also looking forward to seeing Erin, my 1st of three sister-in-laws (Aleisha's The 3rd), whom I have not seen since her wedding.

As my wife stated in her blog, I would like to thank all of those (near and far), who have given their support in this trying time. This also includes my homies on the D7-Best Buy Project Team and my Boss Man, Jon.

I have a lot of work to do here before we leave tonight. Breaks Over.

Keep us in your prayers as we drive safely to Sota Land.

Later Peeps

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

I'm Always The Car!!!

Movie Review: Over The Hedge

From the makers Of Shrek, Shark Tale, & Madagascar (Dreamworks) comes Over The Hedge. A very cute flick showing the life of animals in the wild surviving after surburbia take over most of their home. This movie starred the voice talents of Bruce Willis, Gary Shandling, William Shatner & Wanda Sykes. Some of the best performances were from Nick Nolte (Vincent The Bear), Avril Lavigne (Heather The Possum), and of course Steve Carell (Hammy The Squirrel). Two other people I was pleased to hear in the movie was Eugene Levy & Catherine O'Hara (Lou & Penny, the Porcupine Parents).

Not many people I didn't like in the movie. If I were to rate Dreamworks CGI Movies they will go: Wallace & Gromit, Shrek, Shrek 2, Madagascar, Over The Hedge, Shark Tale then Ants. This movie was very well done and I definately recommend this movie to be seen and bought. Dreamworks is definately giving Pixar a run for their money.

Coming Soon From Dreamworks Animation: Flushed Away (Nov 1, 2006), Shrek The Third (Spring 2007), Bee Movie (Fall 2007), Kung Fu Panda (Spring 2008), & Madagascar 2 (Fall 2008).

Here are some of my friends comments on Over The Hedge:

But...I love the cookie!!!
- Heather S.

It was cute.
- Elizabeth W.

Too adorable! I love the cookie....
- Megan M.

Good fun.
- Andy F.

Love Hammie!
- Heather E.

I found my nuts!
- JCC

I'm Always The Car!!!

Movie Review: Over The Hedge

I'm Always The Car!!!

Movie Review: Over The Hedge

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Hatsumomo

Movie Review: Memoirs Of A Geisha

Me and my wife checked out this movie a couple of weeks ago and we truly loved it. Ken Watanabe (The Last Samurai) was as excellent as ever and Ziyi Zhang (Hero, Rush Hour 3 & House Of Flying Daggers) did a lot better than her normal work. There were other legendary asian actors including; Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa (Last Emporer & Mortal Kombat), Michelle Yeoh (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon & James Bond: Tomorrow Never Dies) and Mako (Conan & Seven Years In Tibet), but the best performance in the movie was done by Gong Li.

Gong Li portrayed the role of Hatsumomo, who is the big time Geisha that later sees her rival in Chiyo/Sayuri (Zhang). She looses it all and flees the life of a Geisha forever. This is an actress who had been around for a long time, but I have not seen her in anything before this, but now I will follow her work. Upcoming films include Miami Vice with Colin Farrell & Jamie Foxx and Young Hannibal produced by Dino de Laurentiis (Dune, Red Dragon, & Conan).

Check out this movie and check out Gong Li.

Hatsumomo

Movie Review: Memoirs Of A Geisha

Hatsumomo

Movie Review: Memoirs Of A Geisha

Beer & Wine

I went to Kroger's to pick up a few things and after I entered the first set of doors I was intercepted by this woman who asked me to sign a petition to have Beer & Wine be sold in grocery stores in Irving, TX. Irving is a dry city, which doesn't allow alcohol to be sold in grocery stores or have stand alone liquor stores. I had to think for a little while, respectfully decline and walk on.

I talk to my wife shortly after that and she brought up a good point that a problem can be created as people go to a neighboring city and get alcohol then return back to Irving. Another good point to support this is that income is being taken out of the City of Irving as folks go to other cities to purchase alcohol. I understand these things, but as a person who rarely drinks I couldn't see myself supporting this.

I see that Irving could be a small level of prohibition (except you can drink alcohol in your home or in a resturant that serves it), but as I see, there has been hardly any trouble in Irving for the 18 months I have been here. I like a dry city. I honestly don't care much for alcohol.

Back To Overnights

Well I return to overnights for a month now. The transition wasn't as tough as before in May. The only thing that sucks about overnights is that I can't see Tuesday Night Movies with my buds and wife. I will be seeing them alone in the afternoon. Oh well. Gotta keep the job because it is too sweet.

Well this is a short one, but I promise longer ones in the future (That's What She Said) . Take care.

Sunday, June 11, 2006

Kon Is Over

Well my first A-KON is complete. The last day was very light, but still somewhat entertaining. One bad situation I ran into was this bitch who came up to me as if I am no one as yelled, "No Sleeping In The Kon-Suite." I just looked at her and responded, "I am not sleep.". Then after her these bastards came one by one and just started to bug me. I just wanted to chill for a bit, but nooooooooo. They weren't having that. F**K You I say & F**K A-KON if they are going to be that way.

This is probably one of the reasons why I can't stand conventions. I told my friend, Win that I might return next year, but it is under consideration. Just seeing if it is worth it. A lot of the volunteer staff, which I was one, can really take the fun out of the convention.

It was the same at GEN-CON in Milwaukee/Indianapolis. I only volunteered the first year I went and decided to not volunteer ever again. A-KON is in question. Too many egos there. Too many bitches.

Okay that's enough.

Later all.

Saturday, June 10, 2006

A-KON Day Deux

Man I am such a dumbass. I forgot my camera again. Oh well.

Today was much better than the first. I actually did some work for the A/V crew and sat in a couple panels. The first was on Computer Animation by a company called NewTek. It was very great showing how easy it is to create animation using their software, but it is very expensive.

Next panel was with Manga Entertainment. Frankly it was pretty dull and laid back. This guy came up and talked a lot about Manga, but didn't have any slide or video demos to show. After that was FUNimation. They are the company who is behind the Anime giant, Dragonball Z. They show a lot on future work and a feature film from Full Metal Alchemist. Very impressive.

Then came a voice actor panel, which at that time I decided to go and check out Red Vs Blue, but when I got to the location it was postponed. I wasn't happy, but I went back to the panel and found it to be a lot of fun. Those people were hilarious. Afterwards I was relieved of my duties and I went down to check out a Martial Arts demo, which was very lame. I was on the art of Ninjitsu. Should have went straight home.

Well that was day two and only one left to go. I will try to remember to take my camera for the final day and hopefully will get some great pictures to show you.

Friday, June 9, 2006

Costumes Everywhere....

Well, I made my first visit to A-KON. I'm working with a neighbor as a volunteer in the A/V department. Most of my first day was just walking around aimlessly while waiting on a call to go to a hall or room or something.

The big thing was that there were a crap load of people in costume there and I was very upset that I forgot my camera at home. The most common costume I saw was Vash The Stampede from the anime, Trigun.

There was a huge diversity of people at this convention. Different colors, sizes, & shapes. Everyone seem to be having a great time and I'm glad I didn't have much money for I would be dirt poor by the end of the day at the Vendor Hall.

The biggest highlight of Day 1 was going to the movie rooms. One room was having an Amateur Anime Music Video Contest and one of the best videos played was a crossover with Star Wars & Cowboy Bebop. It had very nice graphics added to the production. I didn't stay to the end for I promised to be home by a certain time, but it was fun.

Going back for day two Saturday and I will have pictures next time.

Synagogue Of Marilyn Dean

Movie Review: The Break-Up

This movie starring Vince Vaughn & Jennifer Aniston was an interesting change to your typical romantic comedy. Some say that Vince should not be a serious actor, but one of his earlier flicks includes Return To Paridice with Joaquin Pheonix (Walk The Line & The Village). This film was great and made me follow Vince's career from there on. The movie was pretty light, not much slapstick or lots of jokes. It basically show the phases of a relationship break up with an interesting ending. Most of my friends didn't like the ending, but I thought it was pretty cool. One of my favorite performances was done by Jon Favreau as the troubled, yet wise friend of Vaughn's character.

Check this movie out if you like, but probably not an owner.

Here are some of my friends' opinions:

Cute, predictable, & totally Hollywood
- Sin

Vince Vaughn should not be a serious actor. Blech.
- Heather S.

Not Good
- Elizabeth

Great movie, but didn't care for the ending.
- ltoops

Very realistic on how relationships can be
- Lindy

Crap....oh but Aniston's blurry stunt double butt
- Andy

Great Movie - weird ending!
- Nurse Heather

Could have been funnier, but had real fights and real ending
- JCC

Synagogue Of Marilyn Dean

Movie Review: The Break-Up

Synagogue Of Marilyn Dean

Movie Review: The Break-Up

Synagogue Of Marilyn Dean

Movie Review: The Break-Up

Wednesday, June 7, 2006

Wonder #1

What is the fascination with Black Folks & Pit Bulls? Are they really tha bad ass of a dog? If you see a brotha with a dog it is most likely a Pit Bull. Don't get me wrong I love pit bulls. I think they are great dogs, but often I feel they are very mistreated & misunderstood.

Another Dog that falls into this area is the Rottweiler. I remember when I was little I always mispronounce the breed as Rock Wiler, but I was corrected by a breeder one day (In a nice way). I find these dogs fascinating , too. Yes, they are tough dogs, but they are also very gentle and sweet.

I don't know. If anyone can help me understand this observation I'm having feel free to comment.

I might like to have a Rottweiler, but not while we own a Chihuahua.

Yes, Her name is Bella and I love her very much.

Sunday, June 4, 2006

One Party Down

Alright! Just woke up from Heather B-Day party (no I was not drunk) and found a strange chick on my futon. OH IT'S DA STAPLES!!!!! Sorry. We had a great time at the party last night. We watched the Mavs move on to face Miami in the NBA finals, which I seriously thought they would not have pulled off especially from the way the game started. Pretty sweet though. Then we (or they) played some twister. They played two rounds I think it was Bridget or Heather who won the first one.

Lots of food, especially deserts, Sweet pie. There were some wraps that I thought my wife made, but were actually made by Elizabeth. I don't know if you are reading this Liz (Is it okay that I call you that?), I don't know what was all in that, but it was very good. We also had some make your own nachos, which I never got around to, lots of chips for dipping, and some veggies. Oh and drinks.

We also did some gaming, well at least John, Win, & I did, kind of pissed that my XBOX was acting up to the point that I couldn't play some of my favorite games. Oh well. Not the end of the world.

Some sweet gift were passed out, too. Heather got some bath stuff with a duckie, some sweet Napoleon Dynamite memorabilia, and to top it all, the New Dixie Chicks CD.

I had a great time at the party and I hove everyone else , too. In a few hours I'm off to Lindy's Pool Party, but I am not going in the pool. No No!!!!!!

Saturday, June 3, 2006

PARTY PARTY!!!!!

Oh man I am still sore from yesterday, but I can't let me down for I need to help my wife with preperations for Heather's B-Day, take my mother to the airport, do the laundry. I'll Live!!!!!

Looking forward to tonight though. Feel very honored that our place was chosen for an event twice in a week. I think it's the pool more so that the location, but then again we have another friends, Lindy, B-Day party to go to tomorrow.

Somewhat of a busy weekend.

Later

Friday, June 2, 2006

Fat Man Runs Funny

Well, I tried to call my self playing softball with my co-workers. It was the two District Project Teams from DFW battling out for bragging rights. I was 6th in the batting order and I was playing 3rd base, unfortunately. I actually had fun at this event even though I was very winded and sore.

Some of the highlights of the game were when a few guys hit some infield/outfield homeruns. Our pitcher caught one in the knee. We had a pitch runner running with a Gatorade in his hand. Our catcher tagged out a player in the face. We had a questionable call on a foul ball I hit and we tried to use my camcorder to do an instant reply, but it didn't work given the angle. And we finished 3.5 minutes ahead of the agreed time, but like I said I had a great time.

My stats were; 2 for 4, 1 single, 1 double, 2 RBIs, 2 runs, and a strikeout (the only one in the game) my wife calls me a loser (isn't she sweet?), but I felt like I did pretty well (that's all that matters). I hope we do events like this again.

Are They Dead? Who Knows!!!

Movie Review: X-Men: The Last Stand

Great movie, especially seeing the mighty Pheonix rise from the ashes. Man did Jean look ever so scary. As usual Hugh Jackman did a great job as Wolverine being the deciding factor at all times. He may not look powerful, but he is. The battle between Pyro and Iceman was kind of weak and I thought that Magneto would have come of with an even better way to get his brotherhood to Alcatraz. Oh well.

Even though Singer passed this up to do Superman Returns, Brett Ratner did a great job in this movie. If you love Marvel & the X-Men check this one out. Of course it's an owner.

Here are some of my fellow movie friends response:

I'm gonna have to go back and see the first 2 now! It was that good.
- Sin

ROCKED MY WORLD
- Heather S.

Very Cool
- ltoops

X-tastic
- Win

Awesome! But I think there has to be another sequel coming!
- Lindy R.

Furry Stickly Excitable Painted-On Clothes....with claws
- Andy F.

Loved it (even the 2nd time)! Coolest mutation - wings!!!
- Heather E.

I thought this was going to be the last one!
- JCC