Sunday, December 11, 2011

Poems of Listless Past - Vol. I

I've been going through some of my old notebooks and I'm discovering some cringeworthy entries. Truth be told, I have a knack for composing the kind of limericks that usually can only be found in an LFO album. Which only reinforces the overwhelming consensus from my peers that my future in writing is limited to tampon advertisements. Let me take this opportunity to inform those naysayers that tampon ad's do require the skill of an adept writer. Those spots are challenging, bring about writer's block that only a fervent diligence in the art of writing can dislodge. It takes a skilled wordsmith to stimulate a free-flow of insight, that will eventually absorb the attention of the consumer. Even if my writing career is confined to the feminine products industry, I still intend to make an indelible mark. So all of my critics, which I presume to be red with envy, should pad their arguments before they attempt to trivialize my pursuits. Let's get on with my humiliation shall we?

First up, 'Amber'. Is this a heartfelt birthday poem for a friend of my past or the lyrics to a Daniel Powter song? Hell if I know!

Amber (birthday)
Amber is the color of
a tropical sunrise
lamp lit streets
and warm pumpkin pies

Amber is the color of
a Bengal tigers eyes
traffic lights
and burnt summer skies

Amber is the color of
October and the edges of dimes
a girl who is beautiful
but hasn't heard it enough times

Amber is the color of
a girl who gives good advice
whenever I need it
and never thinks twice

Amber is the color of
a love that never dies
a girl who is pretty
even when she cries

(I actually deleted the last four stanzas for anonymity as well as brevity, I mean, how long should this have gone on?)

Saturday, December 10, 2011

GOP 2012

This week's post is a deeper look inside the race for the Republican nomination for the Presidency and I got all up in there. I'll explore the con's and con's of each candidate and my reasoning for voting or not voting for each candidate. I don't claim to be an expert in politics, but this will be more coherent than anything you've ever heard on Rev. Al's show!

Rick Perry - The Manchurian Candidate! Although his brain hasn't been hijacked by Communists, but by movie executives that will use the office of the President to protect the integrity of the 'Smokey and The Bandit' franchise. Rick may be the perfect candidate. He is likable, charismatic, debates effortlessly and never makes a gaffe. He is nimble and graceful like a deer. A deer that has strayed into an urban area, become confused and upon seeing it's own reflection, crashed through the storefront glass of a bank. We've all seen those videos. This is the Republican candidate most likely to light his own farts. When this guy isn't doing homophobic PSA's from the set of Brokeback Mountain, he's listening to Bob Seger and building Lego's - two things I can definitely get behind. Ironically, for being such a homophobe, he strikes me as the type of guy that picks the urinal right next to you when others are available and starts up a conversation.

The deal breaker:  I read somewhere he described Berlioz's 'Symphonie Fantastique' as "contrived and hackneyed" and praised 'Tosca' as Puccini's greatest work. Sir, I heartily disagree.

Newt Gingrich - For all those who were bummed John Edwards or the Anti-Christ weren't throwing their hats into the ring this year, Newt should satisfy all your needs. What's not to love? He could be just the guy to lead this country....as long as it doesn't get diagnosed with cancer, then he's outta here. His biggest obstacle in the race will be his divisiveness. He is infuriating. He makes even the most reserved people angry, I think Noam Chomsky even called him a "fuckwad"*. On the other hand, his name is very presidential - Newt Gingrich. There hasn't been a more mellifluous coupling of words since fecal and matter.
  
The deal breaker: His very existence.

Willard "Mitt" Romney - The second most qualified public figure named "Willard" to be President. The first being Willard Scott of course. Willard Scott's superior intellect and substance, coupled with his vast knowledge of birthday greeting give him a commanding edge. Willard Scott created Ronald McDonald, but his put his clowning days behind him. Mitt should do the same. In fact, I'd sooner vote for Willow Smith than Willard Romney.  I have a more clear understanding on where that eleven year old stands on abortion, or do I?

The deal breaker: To be honest, I'm jealous of that hair.

Rick Santorum - The original, obligatory anti-gay marriage GOP candidate. This guy compares homosexuality to bestiality.  Homosexuals and zoophiles are two factions in America that have historically never gotten along and he is bringing them together. That is commendable!

 The deal breaker: I bet Rick Santorum's email has a @hotmail.com extension. What a fag.

Michele Bachmann - If your biggest concern is a looming American flag lapel pin shortage then this Michelle Duggar wannabe should get your vote. I'm convinced she even wears one on her bra, "just in case".

The deal breaker: I won't vote for a woman. Women on their periods attract bears.

John Huntsman -  Hot damn! I haven't  been this excited about a bid for the Presidency since Benjamin Bristow in 1876, something I know absolutely nothing about. The bright side for Huntsman is that he will almost certainly be the VP pick for the winning candidate because of his strong stand on not having a strong stand on any issue.

The deal breaker: I just Googled him and his name is actually spelled "Jon". I'll never remember that. Sorry John.

Ron Paul - There is still for hope for a brighter tomorrow in this country considering this guy is just an eyebrow tweezing from the Oval Office. I'm voting for him, but if he thins them out, I'll *proudly* vote for him.


* Noam Chomsky did not call Newt Gingrich a "fuckwad"






Sunday, December 4, 2011

Tears, jerk!

 I know that all of you look at my 145lb. frame, absence of tattoos, and my thigh-high cut-off jean shorts and think: What does this alpha male-type know about sensitivity? Although you may think I don't have a sensitive bone in my body, I do, it's undoubtedly my biggest bone. So, I've assembled a short list of films I've cried during. And I mean cried, really cried. I don't mean having your eyes getting a little glassy. Like that time your parents sat you down and broke the news that your biological father was a transient your mom met in the parking lot of Jo-Ann Fabrics and after giving her "alterations" on the hood of a Citation, skipped town. I'm talking real, genuine emotion. The kind of emotion that can only be stirred by flimsy plot lines and mediocre acting.  I've listed them below. Unfortunately, this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Boyz n the Hood (1991) - This is the only Cuba Gooding Jr. film I've ever cried during. That's if you don't count the tears I shed for dropping $8.50 to see Snow Dogs in the theater. Ricky didn't deserve to die, Doughboy on the other hand....We should also take into account that this kicked off Ice Cube's acting career. That's something we can all cry about.

Playing by Heart (1998) - I know, I know. Ryan Phillippe has AIDS, so why am I not laughing? This may be the last tolerable performance Angelina Jolie made as well. Spoiler Alert: Sean Connery is married in this film and does *not* beat his wife.

Schindler's List (1993)- Sike! I'm kidding.

Boys Don't Cry (1999) - The hell they don't! Especially when you realize Hilary Swank has bigger arms than you and could kick your ass. Sure, after watching this my dignity is on par with Hilary's estrogen levels - non-existent, but it sure does beat watching 'The Next Karate Kid' again.

Legends of the Fall (1994) - In my defense, that movie is so damn long I believe I was suffering from some sort of dehydration-induced delirium. 

Donnie Darko (2001) - I totally relate to Donnie. We have something in common - we both have imaginary friends in rabbit form. Mine is named 'Francis' and although he is able to talk to me and his hands are empty, he's holding a carrot. Yeah, think about that...

Hope Floats (1998) - I normally giggle when Sandra Bullock takes on a dramatic role, but ever since I became a daddy I can't sit through one scene featuring Bernice.........or Harry Connick Jr. Who told this man he should live?

Steel Magnolias (1989) - Yep, it takes a real man to admit that. I don't cry when Julia Roberts' character dies, I mean that was long overdue, but I get a little misty-eyed when I think of the poor sap who had to bang Daryl Hannah. Eww.

Transformers: The Movie (1986) - Yep, the big one! Ever since I was a young boy, I wanted to grow up to be an 18-wheeler, so I really bonded with Optimus Prime. Looking back, I wish my mother would of spared me the emotional trauma that came with seeing Optimus Prime, Ironhide, Prowl, Ratchet, Brawn, Windcharger, and Wheeljack die. Rodimus Prime will always be the "Captain Picard" of Primes.