Humor Tumor

Key lime pie, an investagative essay

2007-02-04T15:14:54Z

Key lime pie, an investagative essay

So I recently thought of key lime pie. Not for any particular reason, just you know "How does it taste""Whats it like"

The essence of the matter is, I had no key lime pie. So I had to make it. Now being as I am, the chances of me having limes, or key limes for that matter, is extremely hard to see. As you know I'm not at my house, so the matter at hand is, why am I thinking of making key lime pie.

The reason is: I'm hungry.

So now I have a problem, it breaks down to simple stages you see.

1. Watch the Ten Commandments the musical, starring Val Kilmer

2. Figure out how to simulate the taste of key lime pie with Ramen, pizza, pop tarts, tea bags, some dust, sugar, salt. And a midget helper name Kiev.

3. Watch Evil Dead and Transformers the Movie to figure out the process of making the stuff.

Okay, so Ten Commandments wasn't as funny as I hoped. And it led nowhere near the completion to my key lime pie. In short, I failed step 1.

Step 2 was just as tough.

First I took the sourest pop tarts I know of. Strawberry ones (unfrosted, damn it damian), and mixed them into a nice homogenous mixture. As I look at it now, it looks like shit, smells like a used toilet in Mexico, and probably tastes like freshly made......lava with a little essence of shit. But hey, that's only step two. And I haven't even begun the process of cooking it yet, which I'll figure out by watching Evil Dead and Transformers.

The blow torch, easy to use, easy to burn with. After caramalizing the top of the pie to basically the strength of diamond I attempt to turn it off. After turning a valve a bit, a jet of flame shoots across the room. Now maybe I should've aimed at something less flamable than myself, but hey, I don't have that kind of hindsight. I never would've guessed the flames would do that. Or that they would be quite that hot. It looked like this

Now that I had freshly seared my sensory organs, I could safely go from toasting the concoction like a transformer to doing the evil dead part of the recipe. Which involved using a chainsaw to cut those little holes in the top of pies. Now this was easier if not messier than my last feat. As I hit the pie, green goop came flying out like great gobs of....I don't really know.

Now the pie was almost complete. All I had to do was bake it. Problem was, I had to use an easy bake oven to do it. To this day, I'm not sure how to light an easy bake pilot light.

So I used the blow torch.

I've never seen an Easy Bake oven melt so fast.

But on the bright side, the pie now has really cool looking wrapping. So I guess I won as well as lost.

So the pie is done. It's time to eat it.

First I must take this infernal plastic casing I made. Which was easy, I chain sawed it in half. But I can't seem to chew through this diamond sugar coating on top. So I slurped out the filling.

And I promptly fell down gagging.

This was some good shit.....if you wanted to die.

So I toss the pie, the shell, the tin, pretty much everything. I wonder if it will decompose like "normal" food. I doubt it.

So after this brief experiment, I figured out, I don't know shiut about key lime pies. About making, eating, or even if they are a tangible aspect of human civilization. Is it a wonder of the world? Or just a figment of our subconcious, to make us want an intangible item, wanting it, but never getting it.

What is a key lime? What is life?

What is this taste in my mouth?

w00t cah monee saved

2007-01-03T18:51:06Z

Microsoft is extending all 360 warranties to 1 year mother fuckers.

Yes. No more $140 repair bill to me yessir.

Oh shit fuck.

I just realized.

I fucking voided toe warranty by opening the fucking machine up.

:(

possible 360 fix

2006-12-19T14:38:01Z

Plug it into my wall, not my strip.

Maybe it'll work. Worth a try.

is it worth it?

2006-12-19T14:33:27Z

So I called microsoft. And I asked a very easy question. But why is it the answer was so hard to understand?

It's those indian accents I swear.

So what brings me to this, is it the fact outsourcing is the new thing. Or is it that I'm not open enough to other cultures english.

But I asked about a warranty option. As that would be a deciding point for me. It would be akin to my marriage cousilor giving me frequent customer discounts.

Apparently the new console replacements come with 90 day warranties.

I show Wal-Mart that? Get rid of my 360? Or keep the 360 and pay $30 for a years protection? Is my 360 worth $530?

Could I even find a Wii in a store even if I wanted too?

These questions resonate like a brick oven in my head, making me think this whole deal over. With a warranty I can play a war of atrition over micrfosoft, failing 360' left and right until I get the golden one. Or chance it all again with a Wii.

I get the repairs, play the console till it breaks. Replace it with a Wii? That could be it; give M$ one more go, and if they fail me, fuck 'em.

As a side note, I'm getting How We Quit the Forest. W00T

And Bruce Campbell's If Chins Could Kill, novel.

fucking w00t

And the 4 disc Dawn of the Dead set

fucking mega-w00t

despair, a repair, and a Wii in the middle

2006-12-16T15:30:30Z

You know how it is? Right? You buy a new console, you expect a new cosole feeling; you know, great working, nice graphics, smoother interface. You know what I'm talking about right?

Well it seems I never get that relief, that small bit of joy so many others get. Hell my second generation PS2 was a faulty piece of shit.

Sony is an acrynoum for Shit Offering Nothing Yet

So in July I got a 360, and was pleased it ran fine, it played well. And then it started giving me disc read errors. Luckily it wasn't the console or disc. It was the save file. But whoops, in August I got a new game, DOA4. And guess what, odd frame skipping. So I call it in, and I send M$ my 360.

Whoopy I got a whole new one. Lets see sony do that now.

So low and behold great gaming goodness arrived the day before my birthday. And it worked!!!!!! Until now.

You see, now my screen freezes every time I play. First an almost innocent Viva Pinata crash, Isolated enough, so I was not suspicious. Two weeks later, Gears of War crashes, and then Viva, and then The Outfit, and then DOA4, then Dead Rising.

So what does this tell me. It tells me the console is doing it, I did my own trouble shooting. Even cosulted possible failures with my dad, who is an electronics technician. He supposes it is the mother board, me? Well I think customer support may be able to tell me what is up.

So I call, and am greeted by a very cheerful robot. He seems morbidly cheerfull that I call about my faulty console. So I get through that as quickly as possible. And I talk to a man. He tells me the date may be what is causing it. Don't know why, and when I ask him why, well, a half-assed answer is what I get. But I do it anyways, it may be a fixer.

But nope, not for me, no such luck. I felt like Charlie Brown trying to kick the football, I feel like about to get there, but Lucy pulls it away and "aaaaaaauuuuuuuughhh" I go. Gears froze in 20 minutes. Giving me he illusion of hope, and then smashing it with the Hammer of Dawn and a can of pre-cooked rape. I say rape now becuase Microsoft is asking me 140 dollars for a repair I'm not sure will fix the problem. As this is my second console.

I was a fool, I trusted the 3% failures, and said the loudest was a minority complaining. But even if they are a minority, I'm part of them. I trusted M$, but apparently my trust was misplaced.

I love Microsoft I really do, I want to love them still. But not as sure our marriage is working out. I divorced Sony based on similar problems, and then eloped with the Xbox, who got plastic surgery and turned into a 360. I'm not going to crawl back to Sony, on it's pedastal, it's 599 U.S. dollars console.

But all the while I'm eyeing that Wii giving me the eye over at the bar. Sure, she may not be the prettiest, but from a brief conversation I hear she is sensational in the living room, or if you so please the bed room. For a price I would absolutely love the 360 to be at. But am I ready to commit?

Am I? Really? I still have the tatters of a beautiful union to see if I can fix. $140 for marriage counseling? Is a 360 worth $500 to me? (praise 10% discounts at Wal-Mart) Is it even worth $400? I can always come back to her though, she's patient and waiting, willing to seperate till her kinks are fixed and ready to be at least room mates again. The Wii already seems ready, no one nay-saying her, no one to call her a skank for ditching them, for failing on them. She's more hands on too, I love her motion, and she's nice and petite.

It's hard to decide a choice like this. As in any major choice or change. Like Honda to Hundia. Ugo to Pinto. McDonalds to Burger King. A 360 will always be waiting for me, getting more refined and lady like, quieting down a bit, getting rid of her temper, and all the while becoming a cheaper date.

Although the vision of the 360 is tainted a little, I still love her. But right now I'm willing to seperate till she gets her life in ordr a bit.

the wonders of random in tandem

2006-09-26T12:38:35Z

So my birthday was a while ago, it was nice. Nothing truly outstanding.

Thats a lie, actually I got 2 very interesting presents.

1) Tarmac. I got a piece of road from my friend. and boy, am I mesmorized by it.

2) Preaching to the Perverted VHS tape I'm not lying.
http://forums.livingwithstyle.com/soft-porn-my-birthday-t331731.html

wierd

Xbox 360 probs

2006-07-20T18:31:48Z

So I got an Xbox 360, and the first thing I get for it is Oblivion.

and it has disc problems. Apparently a widespread thing to.

So I replaced it with Prey (good game). And am currently borrowing Oblivion from Adam to see if what they say is true.

rarw

2006-06-02T15:03:29Z

Led to the river
Midsummer I wave
A "V" of black swans
On with hope to the grave
And through Red September
With skies fire-paved
I begged you appear
Like a thorn for the holy ones

Cold was my soul
Untold was the pain
I faced, when you left me
A rose in the rain...
So I swore to the razor
That never, enchained
Would your dark nails of faith
Be pushed through my veins again

Bared on your tomb
I'm a prayer for your loneliness
And would you ever soon
Come above unto me?
For once upon a time
From the binds of your lowliness
I could always find
The right slot for your sacred key

Six feet deep is the incision
In my heart that barless prison
Discolours all with tunnel vision
Sunsetter...
Nymphetamine
Sick and weak from my condition
This lust, this vampiric addiction
To her alone in full submission
None better...
Nymphetamine

Nymphetamine, nymphetamine
Nymphetamine girl
Nymphetamine, nymphetamine
My nymphetamine girl

Wracked with your charm
I'm circled like prey
Back in the forest
Where whispers persuade
More sugar trails
More white lady laid
Than pillars of salt

fold to my arms
Hold their mesmeric sway
And dance out to the moon
As we did in those golden days

Christening stars
I remember the way
We were needle and spoon
Mislaid in the burning hay

Bared on your tomb
I'm a prayer for your loneliness
And would you ever soon
Come above unto me?
For once upon a time
From the bind of your holiness
I could always find
The right slot for your sacred key

Six feet deep is the incision
In my heart that barless prison
Discolours all with tunnel vision
Sunsetter...
Nymphetamine
Sick and weak from my condition
This lust, this vampiric addiction
To her alone in full submission
None better...
Nymphetamine

Sunsetter...
Nymphetamine
(Nymphetamine)
None better...
Nymphetamine

Nymphetamine, nymphetamine
Nymphetamine girl
Nymphetamine, nymphetamine
My nymphetamine girl

wow, long time no see

2006-05-26T13:47:21Z

So I have not updated in a long time. Not a big loss, I had nothing to say. And I still don't, but I guess I'll try.

I hooked up my PS2 again, normally I would vomit. But I needed a change.

I'm starting to write reviews again, and I made a how to make a username guide.

My portrait of Don Pendleton is complete and she likes it alot.

um...I'm going camping this weekend with Damian.

I'm now hooked on Lazy Town songs.

I know this is a pathetic update, but hey, it's somethng to tide you over to my next one of substance.

what in the fuck?

2006-05-17T15:22:37Z

What are peoples obsession over celebrities. Just because Eliza Dushku is famous does not make her good looking. I mean, come on people.

And this hype about "Tomkitten" what is that shit. If I was to care about Tom Cruises sex life, or child, it would be wierd. It's not like I'm his friend.

Stop the fascination wiht celebs.

a guy negavoted my review

2006-05-17T15:20:45Z

fuck him

it's been awhile

2006-05-17T14:40:54Z

So I've been without an update for how long now?

2 weeks I think. Sorry if you actually cared; and if you didn't, o'well.

So Maxine chewed me out, good thing too, as I've straghtened up. Don and I are still friends, she was just really pissed, which is understandable.

So the idea between me and Damina cropped up about moving to the UK. Mostly because we want out, and he wants to meet Fotophia (I saw her first though:( ). But hey, I've got things I should be looking more into. I mean Fotophia is cool, and to say the least, Damian has taken a liking to her. I've also realized how much Don means to me, but since I'm avoiding doing something Maxine should chew me out for I should just leave it at that.

I've started a project, I mean a big one. I'm gonna write a novella (or novel depending).Story

I'm quite stoked, hopefully it works out.

I'm also back into writing reviews. Mostly to make back sp Damian and Fotophia took from me. (reasons will not be delved into, as to certain private things)

Apologies, for everyone

2006-05-11T20:15:02Z

Normaly I stay away from public entries, mostly because I don't want my life intruded on, found out. But something, someone made me realize I was changing. And through that change I was painting a different face on someone else, some one I was getting to know, to care about. I was not only changing myself, but her; for the worst I was becoming. The better my relationship with her got, the more I talked about it, the more I put up conversation between me and her that would ring wrong.

Guys, I've been an ass lately, a big one. Not just because of flames, but because I was seemingly gloating about a friendship that was just that, a friendship. It's nothing special to talk about, to gloat about. The way I was talking about it made me seem like the pompous dick I was turning into. I was changing, and this time I didn't notice it, but Maxine did. Maxine was the only one to confront me about what I was doing, Damian thought I was doing good, and Floral seemingly didn't care. Maxine brought the monster I was becoming to my attention. It's a good thing you got me sick feeling, crying like that. You made me realize the ass I was. I'm sorry to you all for hat I have done, the pestering, the bothering, the bragging. I'm sorry.

To me, I want to say that I lost myself, unlike normally I lost my reserve, I became to excited. I wanted to show to the world I found a friend, because I made so few of them. In that process, I became something I've never been, and I didn't notice it. I can't say much I haven't already said. So I'll leave it at this and say I'm sorry.

But most importantly I have someone else I want to apologize to, and for just cause; I feel I have given her a slap to the face without her knowing it, a namecalling out of earshot.

Don, I know we haven't known each other that long, but the time we spend together talking on AIM. I feel I've gotten to know you, call you a friend, a est friend. And you've come to call me friend as well, something I won't forget, because it means so much to me.
But nothing except you can forgive me for what I have doen, I have paved possible perceptions of you. I made you seem like something you weren't, something I didn't want you to appear as, yet I did it somehow. I feel like shit for it, and I don't know if you could ever forgive me. I suppose you could, and I love you for that understanding you've shown. Yet I failed you, I feel I did a wrong to you with your trust, your friendship.
Don, your possibly one of the nicest people I've met recently. And it's that single thing that makes this ring all the more hurtfull in my mind. That despite how I think of you I did this. I made you seem like a drunk, somewhat like a tramp. You are not these things, you never where, you never will be. I want you to know i'm honestly and probably forever sorry for what I've done. Don I'm so sorry.

taking a piss got a little wierd

2006-04-12T15:20:07Z

so I was walking to the bus stop, and I went into the forest to take a leak, and I started hearing leaves moving and I thought the dog follwed me.

Instead a fucking moose popped out no more than 50 ft away from me. I just stared and almost sprayed my shoe.

It walked away, then came back, and looked at me.

I zipped up and the sound scared it and it ran away.

I hear they sometimes charge people.

It would have sucked to run with my pants down.

ooooooooooh

2006-04-10T12:56:29Z

So I ordered Rasputina: A Radical Recital off of Amazon, but my dad wanted to save some money on postage, so I got to pick another out, but it had to be $12 or more to get free postage.

So I picked out Cabin Fever!

they arive next week, the 17-19 at the latest, the 13-17 at the soonest.

Can't wait.

rsbdjktdk

2006-04-03T14:03:27Z

I have long stood by a saying that has long given me grief as a narrow-minded asshole.

"If I don't ask to try out your music, I don't want to hear it."

Now there is a reason I'm posting a thread about entertainment in the GD instead of EA areas. Because this has to do with people, and not the medium itself. People that attempt to force me to listen to their music, people that try to get me into their style.

I have long been ignored by people, which was a blessing in that respect, I didn't have to worry about some idiot slapping head phones on my playing Tupac's shit music. Now that I'm in the majority of race, people subjegate me to their music a whole lot more.

Just as a note, the opinions I express are my own, if you like Tupac, that is your own choice, I'll respect your choice as long as you respect mine, I just don't care for Rap.

So what is a guy to do when forced conformity is upon him?

Stop the flow of incoming shit.

So I became a hermit in the sense of music/movies. I ignored people, and went about in my Metallica fuled stupor, blissfully ignorant until some one would slap his head phones on me or blare music in my ears from a stereo or computer.

People at my high school knew not to do this to me. Or at least the ones in my class did.

It wasn't until I took another art class and showed my difference from others by drawing giant metal machines, talking about zombies and calling music now a days shit. Then I got the shit storm, a bunch of kids who listened to emo/punk/pop started over ruling the stereo. My life was shit, at first they asked if I liked it, then after they knew they would continue. This would go on until I found Rammstien, then I fed them the same shit back. German style.

When that class was over I was all the more happier. Until I started garnering more attention from my Graphics Tech class, mostly because I could pull off work no one else could do in little time. 1 person needed help constantly, and learning from mistakes I made the mistake of saying I don't listen to music. So she thought she would help.

Rap and Humor Tumor is not good idea.

I had to mute the music each time, only to have her think I didn't like the song and switch it to another of equal or lesser value. So in the end I had to tell her.

"Amanda, I hate your fucking music."
"Dudly, you don't listen to music."
"I have been when ever I help you."
"Oh...."

At that she didn't stop, switched from 50 Cent to Good Charlotte or Green Day.

I fucking hated her. She thought she was hot shit.

So I made it clear to every one in the class I was not going to accept charity in the form of broadening my horizons unless I asked for it. They got it.

At this time I had switched from Metallica to more classic rock like Pink Floyd. I was happy with it.

Then I met her.

Maxine was a good friend of a friend of mine Damian. Met her through myspace of all places. I was trying to broaden my horizons, Damian was helping. Playing random songs, although I hardly payed attention to them until November, when I met her. I walked in and we were playing Ghost Recon 2, and I heard the sounds of what I thought were guitars. It turned out it was cellos, it was Raputina, I was already in love with them after 2 minutes.

I learned it was from Maxine, so I immediately contacted her and asked her to send me a mix cd of any of her music. Unlike me who onws only 20 cd's, I didn't realize someone could have thousands of songs. Instead of 1 cd, I got 6 from her.

I listened to all 8 hours of that music, and fell in love with nearly all of it. I started going around in Amazon.com, browsing and listening to anything.

If there was one thing for sure, that one little lady made me totally change. In one instant of just trying to learn more about someone I learned that what I was doing was holding me back from experiencing things.

I still hold onto my belief, but now I at least ask more often.
I wish I could do that with movies.

People though, still force it upon me, their life. They want me to be like them. One said I was a fag for listening to Rasputina, a geek for listening to VNV Nation. I ignore him, but that only makes the taunts worse;

too bad I can't hear him over my music.

ho hum

2006-03-30T15:01:18Z

HTML isn't hard. People make it out to be impossible. The plain fact is it's pure text and boredom. All that code really takes your energy. And I hate CSS.

Hmmm

2006-03-29T16:32:25Z

Well it seems all sorts of things in regards to love and all that are happening to people.

Floral and Damian are going strong.

I lost someone, and am still searching.

And Maxine went through a heartbreak, poor thing, I hope she gets better.

Sometimes I wonder

2006-03-13T15:10:57Z

So I write reviews. I write them for fun, for a chance to show my view, and as a way to expand my writing abilities. So I probably won't get paid for it, nor will I be wide known for it (or at least I think I wont). So why am I sounding like I'm about to bitch about something? Because I am going to bitch about something. So I know people really don't care about my opinions, especially if they are contrary to theirs, but the fact is someone cares about these opinions, and I provide on that want. So is it too much to ask for a little appreciation or feedback? If you thought the writing sucked, tell me; if the style isn't conducive for it, tell me; if you love it and want me to produce more, you have to tell me. If I don't know the perceptions of my reviews, I will never be able to produce a truly magnificant one. So far a few people have given me props, anyone who didn't like the review were also haters/lovers of the film I reviewed. xxxAllenxxx is just about the only person who has read just about every one I put out, and he seems to like them. He loved my Doom review, and my Land of the Dead one went well with him.

But that is one person, and despite the fact he provides imput, he isn't enough for me to know if I should change or not. There have been a few other who have commented on my reviews, none really said anything more than "good review"; but then again they aren't going to say more, and since it's the internet they aren't about to lie to someone who can't do anything about it. The only other person I know a little who has commented on a review was mostly because I showed it to her. I thank Lori Cardille for her opinion, but yet again, not enough to determine if I should change my style or anything.

I post my reviews in a lot of places, hoping for the chance it will be seen and hopefully evaluated. But no one really cares. It seems thatr my friends don't care much for the reviews, but them again, why should they? They know me, and that I would talk about it to them. But despite that, I need all the input I can get from anyone on these reviews. In fact I'm posting a bunch on my forum, and hopefully they might even be viewed.

Another Blah day

2006-03-02T15:49:59Z

So the day yesterday was boring again. Didn't draw much as my shading pen is dead. But I got a fantastic pic of Maxine for a portrait. I really need pics for those people, just email them to me.

Aside from that I got a reply from Mrs. Cardille. That was the best part of the day, can't realize how happy I was. I was going to finish watching Day agian, but my sister borrowed it. So I hunkered down with the special features disc and came upon a quote I found interesting:
"To this day, which is 18 years later, I get fan-mail at my house." ~ Lori Cardille
So I'm not alone. I felt a little wierd hearing that afterwards.

But otherwise, another uneventful day.

Day of the Dead re-review

2006-03-02T15:33:55Z

this review will also be available on these sites:
http://forums.cjb.net/sirsaw-post-1396.html#1396
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog&pop=1&indicate=1
http://forums.livingwithstyle.com/showthread.php?p=3902137#post3902137

So I finally finshed it, my re-review of Day of the Dead is complete. I know practically none of you have seen it, and have therefore disregarded the original review; but I hope after reading this you at least feel a little compelled, as my original review was pretty poor in quality. I've been working on this review for weeks, and I finally got the drive to finish it. Ever since I accidentally deleted the original review by pruning the forum (it deletes old topics), I've been trying to get a drive to complete this.
I finally got my catalyst for it, in fact I got two of them. As those of you who read my posts know, I recently sent a fan-mail to Lori Cardille. Now being the pesimist I am, I never expected to get a reply; I did. To say the least I was very psyched; I mentioned I wrote a review, and she said she was interested in seeing it. But since the original is now lost, I decided this was the best time to finish the re-review. In that same post I mentioned it that on saturday it was Richard Liberty's birthday, he played Dr. Logan in the film.

Now I must say this review will be a departure from previous ones I wrote. So Damian, Floral, and anyone who reads this; please put comments and advice so I can make these reviews better. I would appreciate that.

First I have a little bit of an intro to do, basically my introduction to Romero's films and how I recieved them. So if you want to skip the preface and get straight to the review, just go down the post until the big text "review" shows up. But if you want to learn a bit about me and the coming of my fandom. This might be an interesting read.

My First Experiences

With George

Back in 2001 during Halloween my dad decided to rent a whole slew of horror movies. Now among them was Dawn of the Dead, no one at the time knew of George Romero then. Now although I pride myself on the fact I love his work (so much I wrote a ten-page thesis paper for CCV, a first at the school); when I first saw Dawn, I hated it. I thought it was stupid, I didn't have an interest in seeing it until my family was talking about how "Sex Machine" was in it. In From Dusk 'Till Dawn there is a biker called "Sex Machine", it took me forever to realize that that person was in fact Tom Savini, the gore master. Normally second chances of the nature of seeing a film are rare for me, especially when you disregard something. But I got one, in the form of a VHS cassette of Dawn. I grew to like it, and from there to love it. In just one month I watched it 30 times.
Naturally I wanted to see the rest of the trilogy. Night was easy enough to find, and I loved it as well. But Day of the Dead remained elusive. Not until late 2004 did I finally see it. I liked it, but at the time I didn't think it was all that great. I think my original review was an 8.5 out of 10. When I lost the review I set out to find a copy to buy, in my search I found 4 copies. Day was the second hardest Romero film for me to find, right behind The Crazies, which I haven't found a copy for yet.
I finally found it, the even rarer 2-disc set. I coughed up $24 and bought one of the most underappreciated of a genre if not ever. After rewatching it, the movie quickly eclipsed Dawn as my favorite film of all time. I know I was in a small group of people who like Romero's films loyaly, but now I was in an even smaller group that liked Day the most of the bunch. As I write this, I look at the Dawn of the Dead poster on my wall and realize that I've never seen one for Day.

I don't know what it feels like to be one of the people to work on that underappreciated gem. But I do know for a fatc they appreciate a fan's thanks.
So I'm going to do a small favor; on saturday, on Richard Liberty's birthday, I'm showing this film to 2 new people. Damian, Adam; prepare yourself.

The Review

If it were possible to give a movie more than a 10/10 score, this would be a 12/10.

"People today, lloking back on the three zombie films. I think there are really split camps. There are some people you can't get 'em away from the first one, you know it's their love. Then there are people who sort of celebrate or party down to Dawn of the Dead; it's sort of the wildest of the three, it was also the most popular. And then there are the real trolls you know that like Day of the Dead [laughs]." ~George Romero

Back when this film was released in 1985, it was a major dissapointment to people who liked Dawn of the Dead. As Romero seemed to think, I seem to think as well. The comic-book feel in Dawn was no longer. Replaced by a darker moodier one. The very heroic characters that people loved were replaced with what Roger Ebert called "mostly unpleasen" people.

"In the earlier films, we really identified with the small cadre of surviving humans. They were seen as positive characters, and we cared about them. This time, the humans are mostly unpleasant, violent, insane or so noble that we can predict with utter certainty that they will survive. " ~ Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times, 1985

Not only did he complain about characters who had what I thought more human qualities than in the past films, he says that the film was rife with overacting.

"The characters shout their lines from beginning to end, their temples pound with anger, and they use distracting Jamaican and Irish accents, until we are so busy listening to their endless dialogue that we lose interest in the movie they occupy."

Oddly enough I thought the accents were real. Now Mr. Ebert, until you live in a underground mine for an undisclosed amount of time, with hordes of undead flesh eaters above you, and not another living person in 150 miles of you will you ever know the kind of tension and stress these characters are feeling. I for one, would be pissed quite a lot if I could never go back into the sun with out a zombie biting me in the ass, as well as resistance from other people to get along.

"I played this tough character; I'm nothing like Sara, I wish I was. In real life I'm just one big...you know, wimp [laughs]" ~ Lori Cardille commenting on Sara's character

Sara was a first for Romero's films if not hooror films to have a strong female lead. Unlike previous or even recent films, the female lead was usually constantly afraid and never willing to step up. Not to say Sara was never afraid, she was strong willed, which made her character much different from the stereotype.
But that doesn't mean she was well liked. I would know for sure the character of Sara (played excellently by Lori Cardille) was not well liked. How? My entire family besides me thoguht she was a bitch to put it frankly, my sisters wanted her to die, I thought she was well rounded and showed enough compassion to make her a likable person. Yet my family loved Cpt. Rhodes (I did as well with that little curl of hair on the side of his face, like Elvis), then again I think that Rhodes was aptly portrayed by Joe Pilato; he got the manic crazy vibe going quite well. In fatc the acting on everyones part was quite excellent all around. With Jarlath Conroy playing the angry Irishman William McDermott, and Terry Alexander playing John, the Jamaican helo pilot. But two actors seem to satnd out from the rest. mostly because of the characters they portay. Dr. Logan (played by the wonderfull Richard Liberty) and Bub the zombie (a hard role done very well by Howard Sherman).

The characters of Bub and Logan have a relationship unlike anybody else in the film. A father-son like one in my mind, and it creates a startling contraste to the arguing between scientist and military personel. Bub is somewhat of a glimps at what pure innocence is; sure he eats human flesh, but that is his nature. Unlike Rhodes, he won't lie to you to get what he wants, he won't trick you. Bub shows us that the zombies are in fact us, but in a more primative. yet pure state before the social immorality takes a hold of us, he is like a baby. I think this relationship is best shown during the scene Logan teaches Bub to use a Walkman, Logan reaches to fix Bubs headphones and Bub grabs him; but Bub lets him go because of the trust he has. It makes a later scene in which Bub finds Logan dead all the more emotional, in fact that was the first scene in a movie I actually shed a tear (don't tell anyone though). Sherman was wonderful, he had to be, he did this all without speaking a word, and you feel it as strong as spoken word if not stronger. Liberty portrayed the "mad doctor" excellently, his mannerisms and facial expressions as well as how he spoke made the character come alive.

But that in no way takes the thunder away from the other actors. In fact, this was the first major motion picture for many of the actors.

"We were all Broadway actors with years of training and theatre experience." ~ Lori Cardille, from the reply to my letter

All of them performed greatly, and it seems as though as a group they worked extremely well together.

"I've never felt obligued to deliver on the violence." ~ George A. Romero

When you hear the name George A. Romero, you tend to first think, zombies, then gore. This movie is the best in SFX and make-up. In fact Tom Savini won the Saturn Award for his SFX in the film. The zombies' look like how I imagine zombies would look, blood comes out of body parts like I think it would (no idea what it really looks like, whci hmight be a good thing). The bites are now too real, with muscles tearing, tendons snapping, bones showing, and of course blood pouring out. I could well imagine the actors and crew were mildly disturbed watching this. About 3 people get dismembered in some way. The famous death of Rhodes is very gruesome. With him being torn apart while screaming "Choke on 'em!" as zombies drag his legs away. I can say for a fact this is Savini's best work, watch for the shovel taking off the top half of a zombies head for one of the best in the film.
Warning: This film is not for the squemish

I've mentioned acting, characters, and effects. But all that would be useless if the story was terrible. Thankfully the story in this film is fantastic. As I metioned before, it's not as light as Dawn was. It also focuses less on the zombies it seems. The darker theme and more emphasis on the nature of the zombies and characters makes this what I think the most human of the four films (Land of the Dead recently came out). I can't spill much more than a general premise:
A small group of scientists and soldiers take shelter in a mine to find the cause of the plauge and a possible solution. They are the last known survivors in the area.

"We are in the minority now, something like 400,000 to one by my calculation." ~ Dr. Logan

The opening scene really creates a great feel; a Florida city, totally deserted of life. As the scene ends you see a horde of zombies and their collective moans make a roar that sends chills down you back. That scene alone is enough to set the overall feel of the film.

But despite the darker tone the film still retains some humor in it. Many of the best comes from McDermott, the angry (according to Ebert they are all angry) Irishmen. He makes a humorous reference to Dawn of the Dead during one scene about shopping malls

"We were on relays then. We weren't over the air. The power is off on the mainland now in case you haven't heard, and all the shopping malls are closed." ~ McDermott

Another instance is when he clobbers a zombie with a shovel, grunts triumphantly, then procedes to try take a slug of brandy from his now empty liqour flask.

"There just something about Day of the Dead that I really think works. I think it's better crafted, I like the way it knits together. Day of the Dead has become my favorite of the 3 films." ~ George Romero

So as I close this review I must say my appreciation for this film has grown considerably. But it has taken 20 years to finally start to catch on, let us hope as time goes on, this film becomes known as the classic it is.

10/10 Pure perfection

WHoop

2006-03-02T13:45:04Z

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FLORAL

I had a blah day

2006-03-01T16:28:47Z

So yesterday was on eof the most boring days I've had.

But I got Floral's letter, which was fun to read.

Dinner was okay, but the movie we watched while eating sucked. I hate King Arthur, it's boring. I played some SH4, listened to Raspy and drew. Shading pen ran out of ink finally. So I guess all I can do now is mask and ink some parts and hope to get another soon.

Watched some Day of the Dead, that and Floral's letter were the highlight of my day.

Don't know why I was so bored, guess it was one of those days.

Wow, I've changed alot

2006-03-01T15:09:19Z

So I've been looking back recently to find out exactly were I am going in terms of culture and likes/dislikes. And I realized that over the years I have changed alot.

Sure it may not seem like much in the broad term of things but hey, it's my life.

I noticed that my taste in food still remains the same though =P

But seriously I've matured in taste for nearly all aspects of my life. The movies I watch are now much more dram than other types. Take into example the fact I just got Day of the Dead. Yeah yeah I know it's a horror movie, but compare it to Dawn of the Dead. The two films are so unlike eachother; Dawn the bawdy adventure film full of action. And Day, a film full of despair, fear, anger, hope. I've recently been looking over these two films. Not because of a rivalry but because of maturity. I loved Dawn for it's action and humor, I still love. But Day has eclipsed it as the one film I love; mostly because it isn't about the blood, it's about the people. Day is the most human; through characters who are quite nasty to Bub the zombie, you see human nature versus pure instinct. But you learn that in the end we are all the same. It's hard to explain, you really have to know the films to see it. In fact, I'm writing a piece of fan mail to Lori Cardille right now, she played Sara in the film.

My taste in music has also grown considerably. From Wierd Al I grew into Offspring, from there to Metallica, from there to Pink Floyd, from there to Garbage; finally I think I have nestled on Rasputina. If you notice each group I went through had a unique sound. But none of them seem to connect to me as well as Raspy's music. It'll probably be the band I'll die listening to.

Games haven't changed much. I have become more of a perfectionist when it comes to purchasing them. But other than that I haven't changed.

People are another change in life, I've expanded myself to include people I never would have met if I didn't. Damian was chance, but I went out of the way to know Maxine. she was I think the music catalyst for it all. Although I have the suspicion she doens't read my Dj I just want to say thank you.

I hve to write that letter now. Oh by the way, 3 birthdays this week of great importance. Floral's, Maxine's, and in between those 2 Richard Liberty's. Who played Dr. Logan in Day of the Dead. He died in Oct 2000 of a heart attack.
Happy birthday Floral, Maxine, and Doc.

Need more portraits

2006-02-28T15:11:10Z

Aside from the extra picture of Floral I got on deviantart.com and the picture of Maxine with pink bangs. I'm out of pictures for portraits. I'm thinking of expanding it beyond friends and going onto idols as well.

Image, a portrait of George Romero and Melora Creager and John Tebeest and Zoe Keating. Maybe some Tom SAvini as well.

Yeah, thats it. But I would still like some pictures of friends as well. As that was my main goal.