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I just want ya'll to know that I remember you
Granny, Lucy Lowry...born a Plemons, married a Lowry
Aunt Mary-Lou...My Great Aunt, my grandmother's sister
Uncle Ray...not really my uncle...but I remember you non-the-less
God speed all of you!
Folks, I guess, that won't be remembered much by most folks...I remember them though. For whatever their part was, they played a part on my life, I remember you...I love you still.
I heard a piece on NPR today giving voice to a couple of Star Wars loyalist who were touting the virtues of the original Star Wars trilogy over the newly popular Lord of the Rings trilogy. Their new found vigor and vocalism seemed to stem from Peter Jackson and his coveted celluloid adaptation of Mr. Tolkien's classic fantasy trilogy garnering some nods from Hollywood and the Academy. I couldn't help but feeling a little put out over this, this sort of thing always seems to get my dander up and not because I feel one set of films is any better than the other.
First off, these films were made in completely different eras. Star Wars was ground breaking in so many ways, not only is the story majestic and moving, it was also a pioneer in the art of special effects. Now LotR is a modern film and as such it benefits from wonderful advances of technology and it's obvious that its special effects far out distance those of the original Star Wars films. That having been said I find it amazing how well Star Wars holds up even without Mr. Lucas' touch ups and re-release. However, give credit where credit is due, Mr. Jackson successfully adapted a very difficult and mammoth work into three wonderful films and all at one go. LotR is ground breaking in its own right and deserves the accolades that it gets.
The story behind Star Wars is simply amazing. I believe Mr. Lucas melded together so many different aspects of life and philosophy into a wonderful sci-fi setting that he should have been recognized by his peers at the time It's a shame he didn't. I mean we have the tenants of Eastern philosophy together with the teenage yearning for a better world, the irrepressible urge to make the world a better place no matter the cost, the urge to escape from your guardians and make a life of your own all wrapped up in a very convincing universe of interstellar empire and rebellion. Wow, it's simply great stuff no two ways about it. LotR on the other hand, and this part is simple, is based on the masterful works of J.R.R Tolkien. For those of us who are fans of Mr. Tolkien further comment isn't really needed, for those of you aren't I enthusiastically recommend the books!
The characters of both trilogies are loveable or loathsome, but they are all memorable. You can make acting arguments in a lot of directions here, but I can't believe that if you watch these films without bias you can see that all of the acting comes away as at least well intentioned and nothing short of passionate. The universes in comparison bare no resemblance to each other, at least outside of conjecture they don't. The mindsets of the characters are very different and I think it's an injustice to compare them to one another. Mr. Lucas was at liberty to create and control his characters any way he wanted, Mr. Jackson had very little wiggle room in this category as he had to remain as faithful as he could to Mr. Tolkien's original story.
I would pose the question, why compare the two films at all? Why not enjoy them for the wonder of story on film that they are. I guess it just peeves me to have people make the argument at all when in the end they both hold up so well. I even wonder why some go to such length's to compare LotR to Star Wars at all. I can only assume that the Potter fans have moved on. In the end I just have to pity those people who can't look each trilogy and thrill at what it has to offer, because they both offer so. The special effects, the story, the characters and the experience all measure up in my opinion and both of these films will continue to hold very high ratings on my personal film list.
I've been thinking about getting a weekend job ever since my wife decided to get a waitressing job in the middle of her busiest quarter at school ever. Thankfully it is her second to last quarter, but still it means she's busting her ass hardcore in what was already an ass busting situation. I feel bad that she decided to take on this extra responsibility, I mean I like the little bit of extra money (she's not making just a whole lot) and we do need every bit we can get, but it's hard to watch her so strung out.
I've applied for a few positions here and there, some at CompUSA and Best Buy and then one off the wall application for a secretary job. Weird thing is that I was most excited about the secretary job as it fit what I wanted exactly and I fit the qualifications quite well even though I've never been a receptionist or a secretary. It's a weekend job with regular hours and it would make the best situation out of having two jobs if you can do such a thing. Anyway, I got a response on my application for a recorded phone interview, so that was exciting.
I know it's weird to conceive of me being a secretary type person and in fact I have a hard time imagining how I will pull this off. But for some reason it just all feels right and I really hope that I get the job, not only does it pay pretty well considering what it is, but it's also something professional. I just really don't want to have to go apply for a waiter position or a grocery store clerk
not that I see those as below me, I just think I can do more than that.
So we'll see how it goes. I was a little upset that they only allowed you five minutes to answer six questions as I hadn't tailored my responses for just five minutes. I figured five minutes is a long time when you're speaking, so maybe I'll be okay. I wasn't, I went over. Then I agonized whether I should call back and get the last two questions that I didn't get to answer before the machine cut me off. In the end I did call back, justifying by saying that they can't possibly believe that a five minute phone message can tell them doodly-squat about a prospective employee
they just want to see who calls back and leaves a second message to finish
it shows enthusiasm! Or at least I hope so.
Mulled wine is sooooo good. I'm so sick of Christmas carols playing ad nausem every where I go...so we had to come home and spin some great tunes...everything from Paula Abdul to Rolling Stones to some Mammas and Pappas...oh so good. My beautiful and talented wife is spreading her mastery of design over the Christmas tree and my job is to put up the tunes and drink da wine...life feels good right now...it's cold outside and warm inside...and in Texas that's a fleeting scenario!
Merry Holiday period folks!