Harsh Times: Finals are here.

This is the time of the year for a student that you either love, or hate with a vengeance. This is the time for finals. An optimistic student might see this as the beginning of the end, looking forward to graduation, or summer vacation, or perhaps both. However, a pessimistic student will see this as the most trying time of the semester, with the pressure to do well on finals building up in anticipation of sitting in a humid room for two hours. Many students see finals as a piece of cake, and just another step in earning that good grade that they deserve; however, others will see it as that last chance to get a passing grade, and panic with anticipation.

A student can’t help but to think of what life after finals will be like for them. Many of us will be going on vacations that are certainly well deserved. Others prefer to sleep in day after day and do nothing. However, none of that can happen until you hand in that last blue book or scantron, walk to your car, and get home.

Every student has their own unique way of dealing with the pressures of finals. Some lock their selves in a room for how ever many hours it takes to finish studying. Others decided to procrastinate for as long as possible, cram themselves with caffeine, and burn the late night oil hours before their final starts. Whatever your method of madness is, it all leads to summer vacation.

Most students here at San Jose State on are a full time schedule, taking as many classes as possible, or at least as many that your sanity will permit. With the completion of finals, one of the pressures of our lives is gone. Next we can focus our attention on our jobs, friends and family, and having a good time on the side.

In my case, my last final is the one for this class. The very next day I will begin my summer vacation, and enjoy three months of bliss before the fall semester begins in late August. I hope that for all of you, this time isn’t too frustrating, and that you’re able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Soon your finals will be over, and summer will be in season.

Photo Credit:

http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/rmc/lowres/rmcn16l.jpg

Movie Review: X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine was touted as the movie that would begin the summer season of blockbusters. The film had a line of fans waiting to get inside the 12:01 a.m. show and see what they’ve been waiting for. Some fans wore t-shirts with their beloved character on them. One fan even come dressed in full costume, and ran in front of the screen before the opening trailers rolled and roared like his idol Wolverine, to the delight of the sold-out theatre. Just to anger people I wore a t-shirt with a picture of the Joker, who is a character from DC Comics’ Batman franchise, rival of Marvel Comics’ X-Men, and got many stares in the process.

This film tells the story of Wolverine, who is by far the most beloved of all of the X-Men. In the previous trilogy of X-Men films, we see the rage behind Wolverine, played by Hugh Jackman, as he tries to uncover the mystery of who he is. Jackman returns to reprise his role as the clawed Wolverine for a fourth time. This film explains were and when Wolverine came from, where his powers originated from, and how he became who he is in the present.

In the second film in the X-Men trilogy, X2: X-Men united, we were introduced to the character of William Stryker played by Brian Cox. Stryker’s character was in charge of the government program that took Logan (Wolverine's real name) and turned him into the animal he is today. In the experiment, code named Weapon X; a fictional metal called Adamantium is liquefied and injected over Wolverines skeleton, which couple with Wolverines ability to rapidly heal wounds to his body makes him nearly indestructible.

In this film we’re introduced to the younger version of Stryker, played this time by Danny Huston. We’re shown how Stryker recruits Wolverine, and betrays him, which is the center of the plot in the movie as Wolverine tries to vindicate his past. In this film, Wolverine still knows everything about his past and it isn’t until the end of the film where he loses his memory due to a series of events. The film finally brings to the screen the character of Gambit, who is also a favorite of fans, but never appeared in the previous three X-Men films. Gambit plays a roll in helping Wolverine get his vengeance in the film.

The film made $87 million in its first weekend at the box office, however many of the die hard fans are upset with the films continuity to the comics, and for some of story line which was falsely rendered in order for the film to make sense. The film also hasn’t received great reviews from critics either. I bet that won’t bother anyone from the Marvel camp, as this film was guaranteed to be a hit at the box office and bring in plenty of money.

Yes this film was a good start to the summer season of blockbusters, however there is nothing else underneath its surface. It’s your generic “popcorn flick” filled with big explosions, special effects, and lacking a gripping storyline. The film lacks much substance in comparison to other films of its genre. Personally I did enjoy the film; however it was not as good as other superhero films of the past year such as The Dark Knight, Watchmen, and Iron Man and If I was a film critic I would give the film three out of five stars. This summer is going to be filled with great films such as Star Trek, Angels & Demons, Terminator Salvation, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, and Inglorious Basterds (yes that’s how it’s spelled). If you’re a fan of any of these franchises, then you will be at least reasonably happy with what you see on the big screen this summer movie season.

Photo Credit:

http://newsaura.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/x-men-origins-wolverine.jpg

Looking back at The Killers concert.

On Sunday April 19th, 2009, those in attendance at San Jose State’s Event Center were treated to a concert by The Killers. The natives of Las Vegas, Nevada played before a sold-out crowd of 4,000 people. The Killers first achieved success in 2004 with their hit singles “Somebody Told Me” & “Mr. Brightside.”

Before the main attraction could take the stage, an up and coming band by the name of Wild Nights performed a ten song set from their debut album. After their performance, the opening band thanked the Killers for bringing them on their world wide tour, and their front man asked the crowd if “they were ready for a F**ing great rock show,” which of course brought great approval from the crowd. The eager crowd had to wait approximately 15 to 20 minutes for The Killers to start their performance. Stage hands or “Roadies” took to the stage, tuning guitars, finishing setting up the stage, and getting everything else ready for The Killers.

Soon after the preparations were completed, the lights dropped and the band took the stage, lead by front man Brandon Flowers. Too the roar and thunder of the capacity crowd, the band began the night playing their current hit single “Human” off of their album “Day & Age.” I was in the front of the crowd in the middle of the mosh pit, and could tell from the start that this was going to be a fun show as you could feel the drum beats bang in your chest.

Flowers did a great job of getting the crowd excited, as he would fall to his knees as if to imply how much pain was behind his lyrics, getting screams of approval from the ladies in attendance. He also would jump onto the large speakers set up in the front of the stage and point the microphone at the crowd, as they would chant the choruses to the bands songs. Behind the band, a large screen was set up which played video to accompany the music, as well as a massive array of lights that glided across the stage like a composers hand before an orchestra.

Although the band primarily played songs from the “Day & Age” album, they also play some of their hit singles that have brought then to worldwide recognition. Songs like “All the Things That I’ve Done,” “Smile Like You Mean It,” “Jenny Was a Friend of Mine,” and “When We Were Young” were performed, with Flowers dedicating the last song to the crowd of predominantly college students and teens.

After their 10th song ended, two giant balls of fire shooting from the back of the stage, and the band went backstage for a break. The crowd still roaring began to chant for the band to return, as they did to the sound of even more screaming and applause. After their final song, confetti shot out of mini canons set in front of the stage, and sparks poured from behind the stage like rain, making a huge wall of fire. The lights came on, and people began to poor out. The crowd was clearly content as they were still cheering as the masses left the Event Center.

Personally I had a great time at the show. I’ve been a fan of the band ever since their breakout in 2004, which was my senior year of high school. When the band played those two songs, “Somebody Told Me,” and “Mr. Brightside,” I was transported back in time to where I was in my life five years ago, a naïve seventeen year old about to graduate high school and just discovering himself and the real world, feeling a massive sense of nostalgia in the process.
It was the complete concert experience; Good music, a ruckus audience, crowd surfing, mosh pits, and that hint of marijuana smoke in the air. I had left the concert with a lost voice, a ringing in my ears that lasted three days, and happiness for just having seen one of my favorite rock bands.

Photo Credit:

http://musikitar.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/folder.jpg

Spring Break.

Spring break is a time of bliss, a time to rest, a time to reflect, and a time to party. Across the nation, young adults take road trips, jet set, or go on cruises to various places in search of that ultimate vacation satisfaction. I can recall being twelve years old and watching “Spring Break in Cancun” on MTV and thinking to myself, “wow this looks amazing.” For those who don’t know or can’t remember, the show was all about get wild and crazy, half naked people, and wet t-shirt contests. Jerry Springer even had a “Spring Break” edition of his show that was filmed down in Mexico.

No matter where you go, your ultimate goal is to forget the realities of school, your back breaking job, or perhaps getting away from that nagging girlfriend or boyfriend. Some of the hot spots to party for spring break have almost become cliché. Places such as Las Vegas, Nevada, Miami, Florida, and the before mentioned Cancun, Mexico are the most common spots people go to for spring break.

For some people, spring break is a time to stay at home. For some students, spring break means one week of not getting struck in traffic on the way to school, one week of not worrying about mid-terms, one week of not doing any schoolwork, and temporarily eliminating one hassle from your life.

For me, spring break this year was about hopping into my car with my friend, and taking a road trip down to sunny San Diego, California to stay with our friend for a few days. The drive down took seven and half hours and went without a hitch other then the ridiculous traffic we hit in Los Angeles. Upon arrival to our destination, we all got refreshed and cleaned up and then proceeded to start the night off with some bar hopping before capping off the night with some more partying back at the house.

This was basically our routine for the three nights that my friend and I and were down there. We also went to the beach for a few hours one afternoon, had a barbeque at a lake another afternoon, and went to a local casino on another afternoon. The trip was exactly what I needed to get my mind off of life here at home. I was happy to see my friend and get to hang out with him, and make some new friends in the process. I was actually surprised how much I enjoyed the fifteen hours of driving I did in a four day span, because it was relaxing, and an adrenaline rush at the same time to be flying down the highways of California.

Whatever you all did for your spring break, I hope that it was exactly what you wanted, and that it was a refreshing break from your reality. However, now comes the sad part. We have to say “see you next year” to spring break, and snap back into reality and the hustle and bustle of our lives. At least we’ll always have the memories of spring break.

Love Thy Neighbor.

In today’s world, how of us can say that we really know our neighbors? If you really think about it, knowing your neighbors is something that should be really important to you. You wouldn’t want to be living next to a crazy person, or registered sex offender without know so. Perhaps you would want to build a bond with your neighbor should you ever go on vacation and need someone to watch your home. Some people may not care to know their neighbors. Some people might be really shy and anti-social, or you might live in an apartment complex where a lot of neighborly interaction doesn’t happen as in comparison to houses.

From my own person situation, I don’t know any of my neighbors. My family and I have lived in our home for the last three years and I don’t know the names or faces of most of my neighbors. If I were to see them at the mall, or at my work, or at San Jose State, I wouldn’t recognize them.
I know that in American society, having good relations with your neighbors is very common. I once dated a girl whose entire neighborhood would close off their court and hold their own parades for the fourth of July, and massive block parties for other holidays. Once again, I’ve never experienced that with my own neighborhood. I sometimes come home and see some of my neighbor’s chit chatting with other, and I sometimes wonder if they’re talking about why none of them ever hear from my family, perhaps thinking we’re a family of troglodytes.

I’ve only had one real encounter with my neighbors. Last year I had just gotten home from school, and as I’m walking into my bedroom I hear the sound of glass cracking from my window. I have large shutters on my window that I always keep closed so I couldn’t see what was going on. However, I was able to crack them open to sneak and little peak and I saw that my entire window was cracked, and I looked to the side and I see my neighbors eight-year-old throwing rocks at my window. I was forced to go next door and tell his mother what he had done, however, what I didn’t know was that the boy is autistic, and was having a tantrum of some sort.

Recently, I found out through my mother that one of neighbors had a death in the family. Our neighbor’s daughter was five months pregnant and died from a hemorrhage of some sort and also lost the baby. Because of lack of familiarity with my neighbors, my family was hesitant to give our condolences and offer any support that we could which is unfortunate.

I’m not saying that I’m going to go knock on all of my neighbors’ doors and introduce myself to them. That would be a little after the fact, since it’s been three years since I’ve moved into the neighborhood. What I am saying is that I would like to have some sort of a relationship with at least some of my neighbors because I’ve seen how long-term friendships can come from just sharing a street. Maybe one day my family will develop a stronger bond with our neighbors, and if anyone reading this is considering doing the same, then do it.

Tech Dependent

Evolution is a beautiful concept. First man learned how to stand upright, then learned how to speak, and then learned how to use an iPod. Our dependency on technology has become be subtle to the naked eye, but once you give it some thought, you then realize how much we take technology for granite.

Let’s look at some basic daily routines for example. In the morning when you wake up to get ready for work, you might be awaken by classic rock songs thanks to your alarm clock that doubles as a radio. You then use some form of transportation to get to where you’re going, using your cell phone or iPod in the process. Next you buy yourself something to eat with your credit card that has that new instant scanning feature on it. You do your deed for the day, and you get back into your transport and go home to your 47 inch flat screen HDTV and watch some television in your lazy boy while chicken fettuccini is being fixed in your microwave.

If any of this sounds familiar, you are dependent on technology. Furthermore, all of us are dependent on technology. It’s possible that some of us may not be alive if it wasn’t for technology. As thankful as I am for technology, I sometimes wonder what it was like to live in much more modest times, much slower paced times, and much more independent times.

I wouldn’t have to look to far back in time to find out what I’m looking for, say about 100 years. 100 years ago, the first cars, or automobiles as they were referred to back then, were being developed and were first becoming mainstream. 100 years ago, running electricity in your home was a sign of prominence and wealth. 100 years ago, there were no cell phones, no television, and no Internet. Life was simple, and people still managed to make due with that they were given.

Does that instantly mean that our present times are much better then the past? Many people prefer simplicity in there lives, and try to live with the least amount of technology as possible. On the other hand, there are some of us that couldn’t survive a week without some of our modern technologies. Imagine you were stranded on a desert island with no techology, like Tom Hanks' character in the movie "Cast Away." Consider what some of your lives would be like if we didn't have some of our modern technology, and ask yourself if it would be for the better, or for the worse.

Personally I feel very fortunate live in era of time that we do. I have a growing appreciation for my life and aspects of it, and I wouldn't want to live without them, although it might be fun to try.

Photo Credits:

http://www.kottke.org/plus/misc/images/iphone-parallels.jpg

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07011a.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/imokproductions/WilsonCastAwayPoster.jpg

Groundhog Day, A Nation Dooped...

Nobody likes to be lied to. Growing up we’re feed fallacies left and right, such the existence of the Easter bunny, Santa Claus, and Big Foot. However, another fallacy that people hardly ever talk about is Groundhog Day. Groundhog Day is on February 2nd of ever year. On this day, a groundhog is observed coming out of its dwelling in the ground, and if the groundhog does not see its shadow, spring will be coming soon. However, if the groundhog does see his shadow, and returns back inside of its dwelling, then winter will extend another six months.

I don’t want to seem like the Ebenezer Scrooge of this topic, but this is something that isn’t logical. Placing the fate of the seasons on the back of a little furry creature is un-realistic and silly. What a lot of people don’t know are the origins of Groundhog Day. Groundhog Day is celebrated in part of Canada and the United States, particularly Pennsylvania. The holiday was brought to America by German settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries. (1)

A newspaper editor named Clymer H. Freas, and a newspaper publisher and Congressman W. Smith brought the holiday to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. There it became an annual festival that still remains popular to this day. The festival featured a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil, and many would crowd around to watch him make his decision. Today version of the festival features food and beverages, and speeches about the coming winter. (2)

Ladies and Gentleman I am here to expose this holiday as a hoax. For many people this holiday means a lot. Some people can’t wait for spring to come. Spring is the season famous for leaves coming back on trees, new blooming romances, and improving weather. For some people, spring means the end of skiing season, and the start of allergy season. Scientifically, spring doesn't start until March 22nd, which proves that either way the groundhog is wrong. Groundhog Day is erroneous on both possibilities and I hope that I was able to turn you all away from this deception.

References:

1. http://www.theholidayspot.com/groundhogday/theday.htm

2.http://www.theholidayspot.com/groundhogday/theday.htm

Picture Credits:

http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/lib/pgc/wildlife/photolib/groundhog2.jpg

Lights, Camera, Action.

Tonight was Hollywood’s night for glitz and glamour. Tonight was the night of the 81st annual Academy Awards. Being the movie lover that I am, this was an exciting night for me. Some of my favorite movies and performances from the last year (see 2nd blog for descriptions of the movies) were honored tonight, and some were lucky enough to take home the golden statue called Oscar.

I was happy to see Kate Winslet win the Oscar for Best performance by an actress in a leading role for her performance in “The Reader”. This was her sixth nomination, and finally she was finally rewarded for all of the great characters she has created in cinema. In the movie, she plays Hannah, a former SS agent during Hitler’s third Reich, who has an affair with a much younger man and is later put on trial for being a Nazi conspirator. Winslet was able to make you sympathize with her Nazi character, as well as despise her and that earned her the award.

Sean Penn won the Oscar for Best Performance by an actor in a leading role for his performance in “Milk.” Penn’s portrayal as the openly gay politician fighting for equal rights for homosexuals in the 1970’s was convincing enough for the Academy to grant Penn with his second Oscar (Penn previously won the same award for 2003’s “Mystic River”.) His performance was worthy of the Oscar, because of the level he enthralled himself into the character, however this is the award I believe the Academy got wrong tonight.

As much of a fan I am of Penn’s work, I believe the Oscar should have gone to Mickey Rourke. Rourke’s performance in “The Wrestler” was fantastic from beginning to end. Rourke carried the movie, and made the audience fall for a “broken down piece of meat” as his character refers to himself in the film. Although it wasn’t meant to be, it is clear that Rourke has tossed his name in the hat of Hollywood’s elite.

“Slumdog Millionaire” was the big winner of the night, winning eight of the ten Oscars it was nominated for including best picture. This film was my favorite to win the award and I thought that it deserved it. Director Danny Boyle, who won the Oscar for best director for this film, was able to take a no name cast, a small budget, destitute locations, and make it into a masterpiece. The film has a timeless story of love that many of the great ones do. “Slumdog Millionaire” was the best movie of the year, and many are considering it to be one of the best of the last decade. Only time will tell how this film lives in cinema history.

As I had in my previous blog about movies, I’m ending this one on a personal note. In that first blog, I wrote that I am a big fan of the late Heath Ledger. Ledger was nominated for best performance by an actor in a supporting role for his performance as the Joker in “The Dark Knight.” Tonight, 13 months to the day of his untimely death, Ledger was honored with the Oscar. Ledger’s family was in attendance and accepted the award on his behalf while getting a standing ovation from the celebrity filled Kodak Center in Los Angeles, California. Many of those actors had tears in their eyes as Ledgers father, mother, and sister all contributed to the acceptance speech, and I was left with some as well. His performance meant so much to me being a fan of the Batman franchise since my youth; I toasted a beer in Ledgers honor after his victory. His memory will always live on screen and with his young daughter, Matilda, who will be given the Oscar in honor of her late father once she reaches the age of eighteen.

All in all it was a great night for movie lovers. During the credits for the show, we were shown glimpses of movies that are coming out in 2009, and are left to wonder where cinema will be one year from now.

Photo Credit:

http://909studios.com/images/film%20camera.png
http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2008/specials/redcarpet/nationalboard/kate_winslet_300x400.jpg

http://www.insidesocal.com/outinhollywood/.aaaaaaaapenn.jpg

http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/celeb/top_100/mickey_rourke.jpg

http://www.firstshowing.net/img2/slumdog-millionaire-poster-full.jpg

http://www.webwombat.com.au/entertainment/movies/images/heath-ledger-dead-1.jpg

Stimulate This

President Obama knew what he was getting into when he ran for the office of our nations commander and chief. Obama is inheriting one of the worst economies in our nation’s history which also happens to be the worst recession since the great depression. What’s the poor man to do? His predecessor George W. Bush passed the now infamous government bailout, and now Obama is preparing to sign a stimulus package that is trying to save the government $787 billion dollars.

The method behind the madness is to try getting the unemployment rate in this country decreased. Our middle class population has been hit the hardest as is usually the case. Everybody knows someone who has been affected by the economic crisis. In my case I don't have to look very far someone who has. My mother has been unemployed for the better part of seven months, and my family is struggling to make it. Both of my parents are educated, holding masters degrees in their various fields, however even with their credentials and experience, they've gotten the laid off before in the past.

Some people are holding faith that this is just a period of national insecurity, what with two wars going on in the Middle East, our economic status is only adding to national anxiety. This is a period that will pass, but it's going to take a lot of work from top to bottom. Obama is the man on top. He was elected to his office, and now the pressure is on him. The proposed stimulus package has been approved by the house and the senate, and reports place Obama signing the bill in Denver, Colorado this week.

Hope and progress were two words that Obama wanted to bring to the table as president, and now here's his chance. He has the chance to show people that he was the right person for the job, and that he knows how to lead a nation. The stimulus package is aiming to create or save 3.5 million job nation wide. The nation needs this, and it needs this to be successful. My family needs this, and needs it to be successful, and I'm sure some of yours do too. Like the old Abba song says, "money, money, money, must be funny, in the rich mans world."

Information Source:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090216/ap_on_go_pr_wh/obama
Photo Credits:
http://www.acc-tv.com/images/wjla/blogs/money_money.jpg
http://transienttravels.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/shepard-fairey-barack-obama.jpg

And The Oscar Goes To...

One of my favorite hobbies is movies. Whenever a friend has a question about who was in a movie, what famous lines where from a movie, what awards a movie won, they come to me. I’m the “movie guy.” Winter time is the part of the calendar where most of the award worthy movies are released. Spring and summer is the time for big explosions, superheroes, and comedies. Winter is where the dramas are hiding. If I were to make a top five of the movies that came out this winter it would look like such: “Frost/Nixon,” “Milk,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “The Wrestler,” and “Slumdog Millionaire.” I will try to keep this spoiler free as to not ruin these movies for people who haven’t seen them.

“Frost/Nixon” tells the story behind the famous one on one televised interviews between David Frost, played by Michael Sheen, and Richard Nixon, played by Frank Langella. Taking place shortly after Nixon’s resignation as president, Frost is compelled to find the truth that American public is waiting for about issues such as Nixon’s foreign policy and Watergate. Frost is willing to go to great lengths to make it happen. This was a classic political thriller, directed by the always fantastic Ron Howard. I really enjoyed this movie because it was something I didn’t know about. The interviews took place approximately a decade before I was born and I really liked watching them become recreated on the big screen. Langella has earned an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Nixon, and the film has earned a best picture nomination as well as three other nominations.

The next movie I saw was “Milk,” which tells the story of Harvey Milk, who was the first openly gay man to hold high political office. This is another film based off actual events. The film covers the last ten years of Milk’s life as he rises from activist in San Francisco’s Castro district, to politician. “Milk” stars the great Sean Penn as Harvey Milk and features an all-star cast that includes James Franco, and Josh Brolin just to name a few. “Milk” was an excellently cast film, and all the performances are worth the accolades that their getting. I enjoyed this film for the performances and for the story. Again, this was a moment in history that I wasn’t around to see, and never learned about growing up. Directed by Gus Van Sant, “Milk” is nominated for a total of eight Academy Awards.

Next up was “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” The title role played by Brad Pitt, tells the unordinary story of a New Orleans man who grows younger, and his life experiences. This movie has the classic compelling romance behind it, as Pitt’s character gets younger physically while his life long love Daisy, played by Kate Blanchet gets older physically. The movie flashes forward to the future, surrounding itself around one of the nation’s most deadly natural disasters. I really enjoyed this movie because of the story. “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” is based off of a short story written by F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1922 which I previously wasn’t familiar left. In addition, I thought the concept of a man growing younger was very interesting and I had a curiosity of watching this film ever since I saw previews for in during the summer. “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” is nominated for 13 Academy Awards and is directed by David Fincher.

My personal favorite movie of the past winter was the “Wrestler” starring Mickey Rourke’s. Rourke’s plays Randy “the Ram” Robinson, a once successful professional wrestler is now struggling to make ends meet by wrestling on independent circuits. Rourke’s character is also battling inner demons as he struggles to build a relationship with his estranged daughter, played by Evan Rachel Wood, and win over the heart of an exotic dancer played by Marisa Tomei. What sold this movie to me was Rourke. His performance is a true example of excellence in his craft. His character is one of the great underdog stories to be put on film of all time, and is being compared to “Rocky.” Rourke also performs nearly all of his own stunts during three matches shown in the film and another interesting fact is that Rourke wasn’t even paid a base salary for the movie because of an extremely low budget. Personally I want to see Rourke win the Academy Award for this movie because I thought that there hasn’t been a better performance by an actor this year. Nominated for two Academy Awards, “The Wrestler” is directed by Darren Aronofsky.

The last movie I saw this winter was “Slumdog Millionaire.” This film tells the story of a young man named Jamal Malik, who goes on India’s version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” wins, and then is accused of cheating. He’s next questioned by the police, as they view the tape of the show while asking Jamal how he knew the answers. The films structure peaked my interest because each question that Jamal and the police review from the show, relates to some memory of his life which gives him the answers. Jamal and his brother Salim Malik are shown surviving the dangerous and poor slums of Mumbai, India by any means necessary. This film also has another great love story behind it. Jamal’s love is centered around a young woman named Latika, who also grew up on the streets. The three characters are shown as children, then teens, and then young adults, and Jamal’s love for Latika carries along throughout the years as they are constantly separated and re-united. I went into this movie not expecting much. There aren’t any big names involved in this film, but there was a lot of hype around it. That hype was what possessed me to pay the $10.25 to see this film, and I was absolutely blown away by it. It’s one of those movies that has a little bit of everything to it. Directed by Danny Boyle, “Slumdog Millionaire” is nominated for 10 Academy Awards and in my opinion should win the best picture Oscar. Not bad for a film that almost went straight to DVD according to Boyle.

It was a great winter for movies. On a side note, I will also be tuning into the Academy Awards on February 22nd to see the result of category of sentimental importance to me. The category is for “Best performance by an actor in a supporting role.” The late Heath Ledger is nominated for the Oscar for his portrayal of the Joker in last summers “The Dark Knight.” Batman has been my favorite superhero since I was four years old, and I have following every movie religiously as I did with “The Dark Knight.” Ledger died on January 22nd, 2008 after accidently overdosing on prescription drugs. I’d been a light fan of Ledgers having seen most of his previous movies. However once I saw the first images of Ledger in the Jokers makeup and costume, I was drawn in forever. Soon trailers were released for the film and we were given a taste for Ledgers brilliance. The late actor completely revolutionized the character, and made Jack Nicholson’s version of the Joker in “Batman” look inferior. The nomination for this years Academy Awards were announcing on January 22nd, 2009, exactly one year to the day of Ledger’s death. The actor has swept all other major awards for the same roll, only the biggest one remains. And the Oscar goes too…We’ll find out on February 22nd.
Photo Credits:
http://tinylittlethoughts.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/academy_award_poster.jpg
http://www.filmofilia.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/frostnixon_1.jpg
http://www.collider.com/uploads/imageGallery/Milk/milk_movie_poster.jpg
http://www.iwatchstuff.com/2008/11/17/benjamin-button-poster-1.jpg
http://celebritytoday.today.com/files/2008/11/wrestler-poster-final-medsize.jpg
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For Love of The Game?

We've all heard the names. We all know the faces. Some of the biggest names in the history of sports have been linked to steroid use, forever changing the public's perception of their achievements on the field and their lives off the field. Athletes like Barry Bonds, Mark McGuire, and Roger Clemens have all had their legacies questioned because of possible steroid use. The the obvious answer to the question of "why would someone want to cheat" is because of greed. Greed to be the best, greed to get that new contract, greed to make it to the hall of fame. Everyone knows at least one of the consequences of taking steroids, whether it be physical or mental.

Season after season, Barry Bonds was a hero in bay area sports lore. Although he was infamous for a less then friendly relationship with the media and fans, his performance and statistics on the baseball diamond were second to none. Baseballs all-time home run leader is now being indicted by the government on perjury charges because a former teammate allegedly witnessed Bonds' steroid use.

*Barry Bonds in his early years versus his later years.

Mark McGuire is virtually never going to make it to baseball's hall of fame because of the stance he's taking in addressing this issue. His stance is that he doesn't have a stance. When he was before a congressional council several years ago to be questioned about his alleged steroid use, most of the questions he was asked would be answered with "I'm not here to talk about the past." To the viewing public, that statement, which isn't denying or admitting anything, virtually denied his admittance into the the hall of fame in Cooperstown Illinois.

If you asked baseball historian who the greatest pitcher of all time is, many would argue the case for Roger Clemens. It's alleged that he used steroids during the latter years of his playing career, and many of his greatest professional moments were compromised by steroid use.

All three of these players had great moments in their careers. All three of these players have obviously gotten larger as their careers have progressed as seen in photos of these athletes in their rookie years versus the last of their careers. Now their being perceived as fakes, as jokes, and many people want to forget this ever put on a uniform. None of these players have ever acknowledged that they knowingly took steroids, but the damage has been done, and their legacies have been tarnished forever. Other players like Jose Canseco have publicly acknowledged their steroid use, and in Canseco's case, naming other players who have done it in tell all books.

Their are much larger consequences then just a tarnished legacy and public perception. As mentioned, everyone has heard at least on physical or mental consequence in relation to steroids. Lyle Alzado was famous and productive defensive end in the National Football League for fourteen years. He won a Superbowl with the Los Angeles Raiders, however he is more famous, or perhaps infamous for his admitted steroid used. Alzado was diagnosed with a brain tumor, that eventually cost him his life, and shortly before his death he came clean about his steroid use which he said started back in his college days and never stopped.

*Alzado on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

Alzado said the following in an article with Sports Illustrated shortly before his death. "I started taking anabolic steroids in 1969 and never stopped. It was addicting, mentally addicting. Now I'm sick, and I'm scared. Ninety percent of the athletes I know are on the stuff. We're not born to be 300 lbs or jump 30 ft. But all the time I was taking steroids, I knew they were making me play better. I became very violent on the field and off it. I did things only crazy people do. Once a guy sideswiped my car and I beat the hell out of him. Now look at me. My hair's gone, I wobble when I walk and have to hold on to someone for support, and I have trouble remembering things. My last wish? That no one else ever dies this way." Alzado died at age 43.

What's the most dangerous thing about steroids is that it's spread to the youth of our country. Gone are the days of some meat head at the gym selling you a syringe and a bottle of juice. This stuff has now spread to high schools, and his costing teenagers their lives, and leaving their ailing families left behind to pick of the pieces. Steroids are being addressed by the government, and hopefully will become a thing of the past. The list of athletes who have done steroids goes on and on. Sports leagues now have tougher and more frequent testing for steroid users and gradually we here less and less about it. What we're all waiting for is for that talk finish.
Photo Credits:
http://www.isteroids.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/steroids.jpg
http://r_harrison.tripod.com/Agonist/BarryBonds.jpg
http://fahrenheit.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/lyle-alzado-steroids.jpg
Alzado Quote:
http://www.usefultrivia.com/celebrity_trivia/sports_celebrity_trivia_008a.html