Courage.
A better topic for this post might be, "How many words in this title should have the first letter capitalized?" I capitalized every one just to cover my bases. Wouldn't want the alphabet pissed off at me. I swear by my letters.
Last night, my wife and I sat in front of a rerun of The Big Bang Theory (this after we each had a long day at work and then spent the evening at rehearsal (me)/doing everything that it takes to make our home the perfect home that it is (my wife - I love her!)). Can you embed parentheses? I just did. Similar concerns here about discriminating against punctuation marks, I guess. See previous paragraph re: letters.
I relaxed in my recliner half-asleep, keeping my eye on the Mets via ESPN online (I love my Kindle for everything but reading books). They won. If they make the playoffs, I do believe my son and I will be New York bound. My wife scrolled through her phone and found some stupid rate your teacher website. I say stupid because only two kinds of people go on those sites. Those who love you and those who hate you. You can't get an honest read from the masses. My marks aren't stellar (naturally). They're strikingly average (go figure). Most of the shit comes from about 8-10 years ago after I transferred from a school where the students worshiped me (but I got paid shit) to a school where the students rarely appreciate me (but I get paid well - yes, even as a teacher). You give and take in the educating business. Well, actually you just give.
Anyhoo, the one-star ratings that offer no comments don't help. Pure assholes, really. But the one with responses do, actually. Purely for entertainment. I especially enjoyed the one about my not knowing anything about acting. Or how I frequently break my own rules when I perform scenes.
I love when students think they know more than their teachers. Makes me wonder how miserable their parents must be raising them. I'm proud my children respect their parents and teachers because they understand their worth. We've already lived more and experienced some shit. They can learn from us. This is not rocket science.
Have I answered the question I posted? I gave you a word, didn't I? I didn't say go fuck yourself. You figure it out. When you find the truth, let me know. I'll probably catch you on a Broadway stage while I'm in New York cheering my beloved Mets to a World Series victory (or on the big screen if you can get endorsed by Entertainment Weekly - that's the ticket to Hollywood).
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
On Your Mark, Get Set, Teach!
The school year started abruptly last week, but I find myself enjoying my return to the classroom for what begins my 25th year as an educator (23rd full-time teaching). How in the world can the time have passed so quickly? Seems like yesterday that I graduated from college and had my whole life ahead of me. Now, I have my own child in one of my classes! And another knocking on the door. Crazy. But I wouldn't trade any of it.
We all know teachers get shit on regularly. We're the fucking toilet bowls of society. But I've made a promise to myself (and to my wife and children) that I would stay positive this year. So, despite the myriad of initiatives (which aren't new - only a rehash of what we've already been made to do a hundred times over), the lack of funding, the feeble pay and horrible benefits, the administrative indecisiveness and kowtowing, I plan to kick some serious ass in the classroom this year and enjoy myself along the way.
How? It all starts with the kids. They are why I became a teacher, and why I still push myself every year to keep on chooglin. I love their spirit, their innocence, their smiles, their individual journeys. Do I have the same energy I had when I first started out? Not even close. Am I all-knowing now that I have all these years of experience? Not a chance. One of the best things about being a teacher is that you're always learning. You have to love school. You get high off clean notebooks and freshly sharpened pencils.
Do I make mistakes? You bet your ass. I'm not perfect. But I still have the Drago factor (as an apt pupil put it many years ago when I reluctantly said goodbye). If you know me, you know how passionate I am. How committed I am to fairness and honesty. How genuine (yes, I like to say shit and fuck and balls a lot).
If you've had me as a teacher, you should get that. That's what I hope I'm remembered for. Forget all the acting I've done and characters I've played, I never wear a mask. Above all, that's what I want my students to learn from me. Be yourself. Don't be ashamed or afraid of who you are. Life is too short to be an image.
Thank you to all the teachers who shaped me into who I am today, especially Mr. Martin, Mr. Ferrell, Mr. Rogers, Dr. Campbell, Dr. Farness, and Dr. Woodman. I carry the torch for everything you believed and inspired. You are important to your students. You make the world a better place.
We all know teachers get shit on regularly. We're the fucking toilet bowls of society. But I've made a promise to myself (and to my wife and children) that I would stay positive this year. So, despite the myriad of initiatives (which aren't new - only a rehash of what we've already been made to do a hundred times over), the lack of funding, the feeble pay and horrible benefits, the administrative indecisiveness and kowtowing, I plan to kick some serious ass in the classroom this year and enjoy myself along the way.
How? It all starts with the kids. They are why I became a teacher, and why I still push myself every year to keep on chooglin. I love their spirit, their innocence, their smiles, their individual journeys. Do I have the same energy I had when I first started out? Not even close. Am I all-knowing now that I have all these years of experience? Not a chance. One of the best things about being a teacher is that you're always learning. You have to love school. You get high off clean notebooks and freshly sharpened pencils.
Do I make mistakes? You bet your ass. I'm not perfect. But I still have the Drago factor (as an apt pupil put it many years ago when I reluctantly said goodbye). If you know me, you know how passionate I am. How committed I am to fairness and honesty. How genuine (yes, I like to say shit and fuck and balls a lot).
If you've had me as a teacher, you should get that. That's what I hope I'm remembered for. Forget all the acting I've done and characters I've played, I never wear a mask. Above all, that's what I want my students to learn from me. Be yourself. Don't be ashamed or afraid of who you are. Life is too short to be an image.
Thank you to all the teachers who shaped me into who I am today, especially Mr. Martin, Mr. Ferrell, Mr. Rogers, Dr. Campbell, Dr. Farness, and Dr. Woodman. I carry the torch for everything you believed and inspired. You are important to your students. You make the world a better place.
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Guest Post - "Leap of Faith" by Jay Wilburn
"Leap of Faith" by Jay Wilburn
My teaching certificate expired on
June 30th of this year. I taught for sixteen years before quitting
to take care of my younger son’s health needs, but also to pursue a dream of
being a full-time writer. There was a stretch of doubtful days there. Both with
the medical care of my son and the notion of making a living at writing, there
were some dark days. Eventually he grew better and I started expanding my
income with my own fiction and with ghostwriting. Both sources of income were
slow builds. There was more than once that I considering packing it up and
going back to teaching. I believe teaching is a noble profession, but I also
believe I am done with it. Each time I stuck it out with doing what people say
is not possible, we made it a little bit further. I was surrounded by people
who doubted I could pull it off and expressed their doubts in ways that would
pull down my spirit. I had to fight through that and keep my skin too tough to
let that in.
All important decisions require a
leap of faith. You usually can’t see where you are going to land. You just kind
of trust that you are going to land one way or the other. Others won’t make
that same leap because they can’t see the landing spot and if it is too far
down, you could die. They’ll resent you for jumping when they would not. Some
of the people who celebrate the successful landing resent the fact that you
survived the fall, but just don’t want to be the person that expresses such a
thing out loud. Leaps of faith almost always come
before the other side of the jump is ready and secure. You could wait a few
months or a few years until the other option is ready. You can wait until the
construction of the other life has been completed, the inspections are done,
and it looks secure. That is what a responsible person does. The problem is
that when you are going for something beyond what most people think is
possible, the other side of the leap is never finished before jump time. There
will be other opportunities and you can wait, but often the wait becomes the
life. You can resent yourself for not jumping and resent those that jumped
anyway. The risk is never going to be gone and often the secure life can fall
apart like it wasn’t supposed to do while you are waiting for the risk on the
other side of the intended leap to mitigate itself.
I always caveat these discussions
of writing full-time by saying there is nothing wrong with keeping a day job
and writing in the spare moments. There is nothing cowardly in that choice. I’m
not telling people to quit their jobs. I’m also not telling you that you can’t.
If you resent people who have leapt or resent yourself for not leaping, the
healthy choice is either to leap or to find peace in the choice you are making.
Look at it as a choice instead of a trap. Believe that you are strong enough to
face the day whether it is conquering the monsters you know all too well
because you are stronger than them or whether it is leaping to conquer the
unknown. You can fight either battle, but never think that you are trapped. The
worst that can happen with either choice is that you fail miserably and have to
start over. People do it all the time.
My biggest fear used to be losing
my job. I hated getting up in the morning and feared losing the job at the same
time. So many of us fight and pray to keep jobs and lives that we hate. When
they do fall apart, we land somewhere eventually. Sometimes it is a painful
journey to the landing, but we often look back where we were standing and are
so thankful to not be there anymore. One thing you can be pretty sure
of in your life: one day you will either leap or you will fall from where you
are standing at this moment and you will land somewhere. It is great to look
back once the journey is over and to be less afraid of that drop than you were
before.
Jay Wilburn lives with his wife and two sons in Conway,
South Carolina near the Atlantic coast of the southern United States. He taught
public school for sixteen years before becoming a full time writer. He is the
author of the Dead Song Legend Dodecology and the music of the five song
soundtrack recorded as if by the characters within the world of the novel The
Sound May Suffer.
Follow his many dark thoughts on Twitter @AmongTheZombies,
his Facebook author page, and at JayWilburn.com
Monday, July 6, 2015
Summer List #3 - My Favorite Albums
This won't be as tough for me as the other lists because I'm a singles guy. My dad kept our house stocked with 45's when I was a kid, so that stuck with me. Most of my album collection is made up of greatest hits compilations. I get bored with album tracks, especially now that I'm old and have no attention span.
Only albums released during my lifetime were considered, but there are a few different rules here. First of all, no Elvis. I'd pick Elvis Country from 1970 if I had to, but would rather just provide my own album. Here's Elvis: The Best Album Tracks of the 70s. Picture him on the cover doing a Vegas move in a diamond-studded jumpsuit. Remember, Elvis rarely included songs released as singles on his studio albums, so you won't find "Burning Love" or the like here.
Side A
"I Was Born About 10,000 Years Ago" (1970)
"Cindy, Cindy" (1970)
"How the Web Was Woven" (1970)
"I Washed My Hands in Muddy Water" (1970)
"Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On" (1970)
Side B
"Love Me, Love the Life I Lead" (1971)
"If You Don't Come Back" (1973)
"I Got A Feeling in My Body" (1973)
"Talk about the Good Times" (1973)
"Your Love's Been a Long Time Coming" (1973)
As for the rest, nothing posthumous (sorry, Otis Redding; although Tell the Truth is outstanding and released about a year after I was born). Also, no compilations (that would way too difficult for me). And only one album per artist except where I cheat. These are listed in order by favorite.
1. Diary of a Madman (1981) by Ozzy Osbourne/Black Sabbath Vol. 4 (1972) by Black Sabbath
Although neither of these discs have the commercial appeal of Blizzard of Ozz (1981) or Paranoid (1970), I think they're better. Diary is my favorite album of all-time. It started everything for me. I can't hardly think about the songs without getting teary-eyed. Give the title track a listen. It's scarier than "Black Sabbath." It inspired every horror story I've ever written. After Elvis, Ozzy is (and always will be) my hero. The riffs on Vol. 4 are mind-blowing. I love Tony, Geezer, and Bill like family.
2. Cosmo's Factory (1970) by CCR/Blue Moon Swamp (1997) by John Fogerty
John Fogerty follows close on Ozzy's heels. His guitar playing is often overlooked because his scratchy vocals are a rock inspiration. Cosmo's Factory is the album every 50's artist (including Elvis) would've recorded if they'd stuck to their roots. Blue Moon Swap, part comeback/part throwback, has sentimental value (like all those listed here) and beats out Centerfield for me.
3. High Voltage (1976)/Stiff Upper Lip (2000) by ACDC
My younger brother told me he thinks every album Bon Scott ever recorded is better than any album Brian Johnson recorded (including Back in Black). I agree. But Stiff Upper Lip is fucking awesome and deserves a place here.
4. Business as Usual (1981)/Cargo (1983) by Men at Work
Men at Work was the first concert I remember. Even before Ozzy, I think. I love these two albums. I'm not sure anyone ever came out of the shoot with better back to back openers. Too bad they fizzled out as fast they hit (although my brother tells me Colin Hay's solo efforts are outstanding).
5. Flaming Pie (1997) by Paul McCartney/Abbey Road (1969) by The Beatles/Venus and Mars (1975) by Wings
The Beatles are the greatest band ever. No question. I'm glad I get to put one of their albums on my list (with a month and a half to spare!). I also love Wings. Flaming Pie is the best album Paul McCartney recorded as a solo artist. I'm not familiar enough with John Lennon's album tracks (or George Harrison's, for that matter) to give either a spot on the list.
6. Honeycomb (2005) by Frank Black
The Pixies frontman delivers my favorite soul album. The studio musicians who played on Elvis' 1969 comeback sessions are here. I've seen Frank Black live. He's a machine. Listen to "My Life Is in Storage" if nothing else.
7. River of Dreams (1993) by Billy Joel
Glad Billy Joel saved his best for last.
8. Graceland (1986) by Paul Simon
The title track is my life story (sort of). The pilgrimage I made when I turned 40 is everything Paul Simon told me it would be.
9. When We Were the New Boys (1998)/A Spanner in the Works (1995) by Rod Stewart
I went through a Rod Stewart phase in the late 90s (loved him in concert) and found these two works to be the equal of anything he'd done prior to throat surgery. I can't take the pop standard shit he recorded afterwards.
10. Yo Frankie by Dion (1990)/Mystery Girl (1989) by Roy Orbison
Two of my all-time favorite rock and roll pioneers made a run in the late 80s with these incredible albums. Too bad Roy Orbison died just as "You Got It" hit the charts. Dion's album rocks more and gets the slight edge.
11. Madonna (1983) by Madonna/She's So Unusual (1983) by Cyndi Lauper
Hard not to pick Like a Virgin but Madonna's debut album never fails. I remember falling in love with her the first time I heard her voice while driving to school. Cyndi Lauper, probably a better singer, created the soundtrack to my freshman year of high school with this one.
12. Lonely Just Like Me (1993) by Arthur Alexander/If I Could Only Fly (2000) by Merle Haggard
A couple of geezers by the time of these two country releases. Perhaps that's what makes them so special.
13. New Beginning (1995) by Tracy Chapman/In Between Dreams (2005) by Jack Johnson
When I need something mellow, these never fail.
14. Big Tyme (1989) by Heavy D/Fear of a Black Planet (1990) by Public Enemy/Knowledge Is King (1989) by Kool Moe Dee/It's a Big Daddy Thing (1989) by Big Daddy Kane
Yes, I went through a rap stage in the late 80s. These four are my favorite. I still remember all the words when I listen.
15. Every Album by The Furnace (1999 - present)
Now what kind of brother would I be if I didn't plug my brother's indie heavy metal band? Part Metallica, part Godsmack, part Creed, they've had two incredible singers during their run and both are equally talented frontmen. Their guitarists kick ass (I'm partial, yes). Their drummers reign supreme. They've been scorching the Valley of the Sun for almost 20 years now. Like them on Facebook.
Only albums released during my lifetime were considered, but there are a few different rules here. First of all, no Elvis. I'd pick Elvis Country from 1970 if I had to, but would rather just provide my own album. Here's Elvis: The Best Album Tracks of the 70s. Picture him on the cover doing a Vegas move in a diamond-studded jumpsuit. Remember, Elvis rarely included songs released as singles on his studio albums, so you won't find "Burning Love" or the like here.
Side A
"I Was Born About 10,000 Years Ago" (1970)
"Cindy, Cindy" (1970)
"How the Web Was Woven" (1970)
"I Washed My Hands in Muddy Water" (1970)
"Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On" (1970)
Side B
"Love Me, Love the Life I Lead" (1971)
"If You Don't Come Back" (1973)
"I Got A Feeling in My Body" (1973)
"Talk about the Good Times" (1973)
"Your Love's Been a Long Time Coming" (1973)
As for the rest, nothing posthumous (sorry, Otis Redding; although Tell the Truth is outstanding and released about a year after I was born). Also, no compilations (that would way too difficult for me). And only one album per artist except where I cheat. These are listed in order by favorite.
1. Diary of a Madman (1981) by Ozzy Osbourne/Black Sabbath Vol. 4 (1972) by Black Sabbath
Although neither of these discs have the commercial appeal of Blizzard of Ozz (1981) or Paranoid (1970), I think they're better. Diary is my favorite album of all-time. It started everything for me. I can't hardly think about the songs without getting teary-eyed. Give the title track a listen. It's scarier than "Black Sabbath." It inspired every horror story I've ever written. After Elvis, Ozzy is (and always will be) my hero. The riffs on Vol. 4 are mind-blowing. I love Tony, Geezer, and Bill like family.
2. Cosmo's Factory (1970) by CCR/Blue Moon Swamp (1997) by John Fogerty
John Fogerty follows close on Ozzy's heels. His guitar playing is often overlooked because his scratchy vocals are a rock inspiration. Cosmo's Factory is the album every 50's artist (including Elvis) would've recorded if they'd stuck to their roots. Blue Moon Swap, part comeback/part throwback, has sentimental value (like all those listed here) and beats out Centerfield for me.
3. High Voltage (1976)/Stiff Upper Lip (2000) by ACDC
My younger brother told me he thinks every album Bon Scott ever recorded is better than any album Brian Johnson recorded (including Back in Black). I agree. But Stiff Upper Lip is fucking awesome and deserves a place here.
4. Business as Usual (1981)/Cargo (1983) by Men at Work
Men at Work was the first concert I remember. Even before Ozzy, I think. I love these two albums. I'm not sure anyone ever came out of the shoot with better back to back openers. Too bad they fizzled out as fast they hit (although my brother tells me Colin Hay's solo efforts are outstanding).
5. Flaming Pie (1997) by Paul McCartney/Abbey Road (1969) by The Beatles/Venus and Mars (1975) by Wings
The Beatles are the greatest band ever. No question. I'm glad I get to put one of their albums on my list (with a month and a half to spare!). I also love Wings. Flaming Pie is the best album Paul McCartney recorded as a solo artist. I'm not familiar enough with John Lennon's album tracks (or George Harrison's, for that matter) to give either a spot on the list.
6. Honeycomb (2005) by Frank Black
The Pixies frontman delivers my favorite soul album. The studio musicians who played on Elvis' 1969 comeback sessions are here. I've seen Frank Black live. He's a machine. Listen to "My Life Is in Storage" if nothing else.
7. River of Dreams (1993) by Billy Joel
Glad Billy Joel saved his best for last.
8. Graceland (1986) by Paul Simon
The title track is my life story (sort of). The pilgrimage I made when I turned 40 is everything Paul Simon told me it would be.
9. When We Were the New Boys (1998)/A Spanner in the Works (1995) by Rod Stewart
I went through a Rod Stewart phase in the late 90s (loved him in concert) and found these two works to be the equal of anything he'd done prior to throat surgery. I can't take the pop standard shit he recorded afterwards.
10. Yo Frankie by Dion (1990)/Mystery Girl (1989) by Roy Orbison
Two of my all-time favorite rock and roll pioneers made a run in the late 80s with these incredible albums. Too bad Roy Orbison died just as "You Got It" hit the charts. Dion's album rocks more and gets the slight edge.
11. Madonna (1983) by Madonna/She's So Unusual (1983) by Cyndi Lauper
Hard not to pick Like a Virgin but Madonna's debut album never fails. I remember falling in love with her the first time I heard her voice while driving to school. Cyndi Lauper, probably a better singer, created the soundtrack to my freshman year of high school with this one.
12. Lonely Just Like Me (1993) by Arthur Alexander/If I Could Only Fly (2000) by Merle Haggard
A couple of geezers by the time of these two country releases. Perhaps that's what makes them so special.
13. New Beginning (1995) by Tracy Chapman/In Between Dreams (2005) by Jack Johnson
When I need something mellow, these never fail.
14. Big Tyme (1989) by Heavy D/Fear of a Black Planet (1990) by Public Enemy/Knowledge Is King (1989) by Kool Moe Dee/It's a Big Daddy Thing (1989) by Big Daddy Kane
Yes, I went through a rap stage in the late 80s. These four are my favorite. I still remember all the words when I listen.
15. Every Album by The Furnace (1999 - present)
Now what kind of brother would I be if I didn't plug my brother's indie heavy metal band? Part Metallica, part Godsmack, part Creed, they've had two incredible singers during their run and both are equally talented frontmen. Their guitarists kick ass (I'm partial, yes). Their drummers reign supreme. They've been scorching the Valley of the Sun for almost 20 years now. Like them on Facebook.
Monday, June 29, 2015
Summer List #2 - My Favorite TV Shows
In order to create this list, I researched the top 300 shows of the last five decades. Again, the only rule that applies is that the show must've debuted after I was born (at least in its current format). So, you won't see The Honeymooners on this list even though it's my all-time favorite TV show.
I learned something about myself while putting this list together. I don't watch a lot of television. That's a good thing, right?
But, I've also missed out on plenty of good programming. I have too much going on in my life to make the necessary commitment, I guess. At some point, I might try binge-watching. Right now, I'd rather not waste my time in front of the screen (at least not that one).
So, if you see shows missing from my list, I guarantee it's because I've never seen an episode (I feel most guilty about The Sopranos, by the way). Rarely, have I started a program and not watched it through until it's run its course (or at least until it's jumped the shark). Not my personality type. I finish what I start.
The programs are listed in order by favorite and grouped by genre.
Sitcoms
Seinfeld, 1989-1998
All in the Family, 1971-1979
The Odd Couple, 1970-1975
Everybody Loves Raymond, 1996-2005
Curb Your Enthusiasm, 1999-2011
Taxi, 1978-1983
Happy Days, 1974-1984
The Big Bang Theory, 2007 - present
East Bound and Down, 2009-2013
Married with Children, 1987-1997
Science Fiction/Supernatural Dramas
The Six Million Dollar Man, 1974-1978
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 1997-2003
The Incredible Hulk, 1978-1982
The Walking Dead, 2010 - present
Chuck, 2007-2012
Legal/Crime-Action Dramas
Magnum P.I., 1980-1988
Law & Order SVU, 1999 - present
Soap Opera
The Young & the Restless, 1973 - present
Comedy/Variety Shows
Whose Line Is It Anyway?, 1998-2007
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, 2014 - present
Saturday Night Live, 1975 - present
Game Shows
Jeopardy, 1984 - present
Wheel of Fortune, 1975 - present
The Price Is Right, 1972 - present
Animated Sitcoms
The Simpsons, 1989 - present
Bob's Burgers, 2011 - present
Sports
Monday Night Football, 1970 - present
SportsCenter, 1979 - present
News
CBS Evening News with Dan Rather, 1981-1993
AC360, 2003 - present
I learned something about myself while putting this list together. I don't watch a lot of television. That's a good thing, right?
But, I've also missed out on plenty of good programming. I have too much going on in my life to make the necessary commitment, I guess. At some point, I might try binge-watching. Right now, I'd rather not waste my time in front of the screen (at least not that one).
So, if you see shows missing from my list, I guarantee it's because I've never seen an episode (I feel most guilty about The Sopranos, by the way). Rarely, have I started a program and not watched it through until it's run its course (or at least until it's jumped the shark). Not my personality type. I finish what I start.
The programs are listed in order by favorite and grouped by genre.
Sitcoms
Seinfeld, 1989-1998
All in the Family, 1971-1979
The Odd Couple, 1970-1975
Everybody Loves Raymond, 1996-2005
Curb Your Enthusiasm, 1999-2011
Taxi, 1978-1983
Happy Days, 1974-1984
The Big Bang Theory, 2007 - present
East Bound and Down, 2009-2013
Married with Children, 1987-1997
Science Fiction/Supernatural Dramas
The Six Million Dollar Man, 1974-1978
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 1997-2003
The Incredible Hulk, 1978-1982
The Walking Dead, 2010 - present
Chuck, 2007-2012
Legal/Crime-Action Dramas
Magnum P.I., 1980-1988
Law & Order SVU, 1999 - present
Soap Opera
The Young & the Restless, 1973 - present
Comedy/Variety Shows
Whose Line Is It Anyway?, 1998-2007
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, 2014 - present
Saturday Night Live, 1975 - present
Game Shows
Jeopardy, 1984 - present
Wheel of Fortune, 1975 - present
The Price Is Right, 1972 - present
Animated Sitcoms
The Simpsons, 1989 - present
Bob's Burgers, 2011 - present
Sports
Monday Night Football, 1970 - present
SportsCenter, 1979 - present
News
CBS Evening News with Dan Rather, 1981-1993
AC360, 2003 - present
Monday, June 22, 2015
Summer List #1 - My Favorite 50 Movies
Movies have always played an important role in my life. They are my favorite form of entertainment. Except for perhaps vocal melody, I believe motion pictures provide us with the greatest potential for artistic achievement. When I was young, I staged imaginary movies with my younger brother. Together, we wrote, directed, and performed. I wish we would've had cameras to capture the magic. I think the list says a lot about me. I enjoy epic dramas, some horror movies, plenty of screwball comedies, and blockbusters. I don't care for art house crap. Some of the most popular franchises are missing. You'll see which ones. For the record, I differentiate between what I call my favorites and what could be considered the best. In other words, not all the ones I enjoy won awards.
Really, there's only one rule here. The movie had to be released during my lifetime. Oh, and I listed only one film from any series. So, I guess that's two rules. These are in chronological order by first release.
The Godfather, 1972
Jaws, 1975
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, 1975
Rocky, 1976
The Pink Panther Strikes Again, 1976
Smokey and the Bandit, 1977
Raiders of the Lost Ark, 1981
Poltergeist, 1982
First Blood, 1982
Friday the 13th Part IV, 1984
The Breakfast Club, 1985
Fletch, 1985
Back to the Future, 1985
Aliens, 1986
Raising Arizona, 1987
Die Hard, 1988
The 'Burbs, 1989
Christmas Vacation, 1989
Goodfellas, 1990
The Silence of the Lambs, 1991
Terminator 2, 1991
Cape Fear, 1991
Schindler's List, 1993
Pulp Fiction, 1994
Braveheart, 1995
Donnie Brasco, 1997
The Big Lebowski, 1998
Saving Private Ryan, 1998
Office Space, 1999
Analyze This, 1999
The Green Mile, 1999
Cast Away, 2000
Signs, 2002
Gangs of New York. 2002
Old School, 2003
Pirates of the Caribbean, 2003
Shaun of the Dead, 2004
Meet the Fockers, 2004
Talladega Nights, 2006
The Departed, 2006
Superbad, 2007
No Country for Old Men, 2007
Step Brothers, 2008
Inglourious Basterds, 2009
Super 8, 2011
Ted, 2012
The Campaign, 2012
Flight, 2012
Silver Linings Playbook, 2012
This Is the End, 2013
Really, there's only one rule here. The movie had to be released during my lifetime. Oh, and I listed only one film from any series. So, I guess that's two rules. These are in chronological order by first release.
The Godfather, 1972
Jaws, 1975
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, 1975
Rocky, 1976
The Pink Panther Strikes Again, 1976
Smokey and the Bandit, 1977
Raiders of the Lost Ark, 1981
Poltergeist, 1982
First Blood, 1982
Friday the 13th Part IV, 1984
The Breakfast Club, 1985
Fletch, 1985
Back to the Future, 1985
Aliens, 1986
Raising Arizona, 1987
Die Hard, 1988
The 'Burbs, 1989
Christmas Vacation, 1989
Goodfellas, 1990
The Silence of the Lambs, 1991
Terminator 2, 1991
Cape Fear, 1991
Schindler's List, 1993
Pulp Fiction, 1994
Braveheart, 1995
Donnie Brasco, 1997
The Big Lebowski, 1998
Saving Private Ryan, 1998
Office Space, 1999
Analyze This, 1999
The Green Mile, 1999
Cast Away, 2000
Signs, 2002
Gangs of New York. 2002
Old School, 2003
Pirates of the Caribbean, 2003
Shaun of the Dead, 2004
Meet the Fockers, 2004
Talladega Nights, 2006
The Departed, 2006
Superbad, 2007
No Country for Old Men, 2007
Step Brothers, 2008
Inglourious Basterds, 2009
Super 8, 2011
Ted, 2012
The Campaign, 2012
Flight, 2012
Silver Linings Playbook, 2012
This Is the End, 2013
Monday, June 1, 2015
Quotes
I enjoy making lists and collecting quotes. I have a folder in my file cabinet full of them. Most of what interests me comes from television and the movies, so you won't find anything profound like "I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds." or "Dear me, I think I'm becoming a God." But, you will find Poe's "God help my poor soul." because there's something about his struggle that fascinates me.
Some of the lines are funny. Some are stupid. Most reveal something about my place in the world at the time I first heard them. I spend a lot of time searching for answers. These provide me with a glimpse of hope.
"That's what a writer does. Takes the truth and twists it."
-Lucille Ball, 1950's.
"How she feels? How 'bout me? How 'bout how I feel?"
"You're gonna get it. I don't know what second, what minute, but you're gonna get yours."
-Ralph Kramden (Jackie Gleason). The Honeymooners, 1950's.
"I want love. I want life, damn it!"
"In the midst of death, we are in life."
"It makes you feel less lonely in the dark."
-General Leo FitzJohn (Peter Sellers). Waltz of the Toreadors, 1962.
"I can make you do anything I want. Absolutely anything. I can make you dance. I can make you sit or kneel, or I can take away your power like this!"
-El Presidente Rodriguez. Gilligan's Island, 1965.
"It's real! It's real! No matter what it is, it's not nothing."
-Dwayne Schneider (Pat Harrington) on death. One Day at a Time. 1970's.
"The universe is a very big place, but if you accept me, we could make it one step smaller."
-Mork from Ork (Robin Williams). Mork and Mindy, 1980's.
"There are many things in this universe you're not meant to understand. But they are real. I'm real."
-Alf (Gordon Shumway). Alf, 1980's.
"Can you please explain to me the meaning of the word, 'oops'?"
-Willie Tanner (Max Wright), Alf, 1980's.
"I've never seen that. I never seen anybody drive their garbage down to the street and then bang the hell out of it with a stick. I've never seen that."
-Ray Peterson (Tom Hanks). The Burbs, 1989.
"You have just said goodbye to oxygen."
-Big Boy (Al Pacino). Dick Tracy, 1990.
"I'd rather be a failure in something that I loved than a success in something that I didn't."
-George Burns, 1991.
"The male kangaroo doesn't have a pouch. Only the female has it, so the male has pouch envy. Why should she have this huge pouch, and I have nothing? I have things to carry, too. At least, at least give me a pocket."
-Polar Bear. Seinfeld, 1992.
"Pull the string!"
-Bela Lugosi (Martin Landau). Ed Wood, 1994.
"Necessary? Is it necessary for me to drink my own urine? No. But I do it anyway 'cause it's sterile and I like the taste."
Patches O'Houlihan (Rip Torn). Dodgeball, 2004.
"That's good. Pretend he's your little sister. Your little sister with a pitcher. Playin' a little guitar."
Officer Slater (Bill Hader). Superbad, 2007.
"He's a freak. He's the fastest kid alive. He's the fastest kid alive."
Officer Michaels (Seth Rogen). Superbad, 2007.
"I drink your milkshake."
-Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis). There Will Be Blood, 2007.
Here's my favorite quote from any stage play (and since I've done theatre for over 35 years now, I think it matters.)
"And you - ain't you bitter, man? Ain't you just about had it yet? Don't you see no stars gleaming that you can't just reach out and grab? You happy? You contented son of a bitch - you happy? You got it made? Bitter? Man, I'm a volcano. Bitter? Here I am - a giant, surrounded by ants! Ants who can't even understand what it is the giant is talking about!"
-Brother Younger (Danny Glover). A Raisin in the Sun, 1959 (original Broadway production).
Here are a couple of personal ones.
"e to the motherfuckin tan" - graffiti I found scribbled in a high school notebook, 2005. A former student and I were cleaning out my classroom. I tore out the scrap of paper and saved it.
"I'm real. I'm freakishly truthful."
-Graham Schaafsma, 2008. (A student of mine, I think, using an alias. If anyone knows who this is, please let me know.)
"bannes, grips, wall-meel. all frista" - my grandfather's shopping list, early 1980's. I kept this, but not to shame him. Thinking about him and the time we spent together (with my brothers) makes me smile. He's the one person I wish my wife and children could've met. The note, of course, was a reminder for my grandmother to grab bananas, grapes, and watermelon while at the supermarket. All fruit.
Some of the lines are funny. Some are stupid. Most reveal something about my place in the world at the time I first heard them. I spend a lot of time searching for answers. These provide me with a glimpse of hope.
"That's what a writer does. Takes the truth and twists it."
-Lucille Ball, 1950's.
"How she feels? How 'bout me? How 'bout how I feel?"
"You're gonna get it. I don't know what second, what minute, but you're gonna get yours."
-Ralph Kramden (Jackie Gleason). The Honeymooners, 1950's.
"I want love. I want life, damn it!"
"In the midst of death, we are in life."
"It makes you feel less lonely in the dark."
-General Leo FitzJohn (Peter Sellers). Waltz of the Toreadors, 1962.
"I can make you do anything I want. Absolutely anything. I can make you dance. I can make you sit or kneel, or I can take away your power like this!"
-El Presidente Rodriguez. Gilligan's Island, 1965.
"It's real! It's real! No matter what it is, it's not nothing."
-Dwayne Schneider (Pat Harrington) on death. One Day at a Time. 1970's.
"The universe is a very big place, but if you accept me, we could make it one step smaller."
-Mork from Ork (Robin Williams). Mork and Mindy, 1980's.
-Alf (Gordon Shumway). Alf, 1980's.
"Can you please explain to me the meaning of the word, 'oops'?"
-Willie Tanner (Max Wright), Alf, 1980's.
"I've never seen that. I never seen anybody drive their garbage down to the street and then bang the hell out of it with a stick. I've never seen that."
-Ray Peterson (Tom Hanks). The Burbs, 1989.
"You have just said goodbye to oxygen."
-Big Boy (Al Pacino). Dick Tracy, 1990.
-George Burns, 1991.
"The male kangaroo doesn't have a pouch. Only the female has it, so the male has pouch envy. Why should she have this huge pouch, and I have nothing? I have things to carry, too. At least, at least give me a pocket."
-Polar Bear. Seinfeld, 1992.
-Bela Lugosi (Martin Landau). Ed Wood, 1994.
"Necessary? Is it necessary for me to drink my own urine? No. But I do it anyway 'cause it's sterile and I like the taste."
Patches O'Houlihan (Rip Torn). Dodgeball, 2004.
Officer Slater (Bill Hader). Superbad, 2007.
"He's a freak. He's the fastest kid alive. He's the fastest kid alive."
Officer Michaels (Seth Rogen). Superbad, 2007.
"I drink your milkshake."
-Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis). There Will Be Blood, 2007.
Here's my favorite quote from any stage play (and since I've done theatre for over 35 years now, I think it matters.)
"And you - ain't you bitter, man? Ain't you just about had it yet? Don't you see no stars gleaming that you can't just reach out and grab? You happy? You contented son of a bitch - you happy? You got it made? Bitter? Man, I'm a volcano. Bitter? Here I am - a giant, surrounded by ants! Ants who can't even understand what it is the giant is talking about!"
-Brother Younger (Danny Glover). A Raisin in the Sun, 1959 (original Broadway production).
Here are a couple of personal ones.
"e to the motherfuckin tan" - graffiti I found scribbled in a high school notebook, 2005. A former student and I were cleaning out my classroom. I tore out the scrap of paper and saved it.
"I'm real. I'm freakishly truthful."
-Graham Schaafsma, 2008. (A student of mine, I think, using an alias. If anyone knows who this is, please let me know.)
"bannes, grips, wall-meel. all frista" - my grandfather's shopping list, early 1980's. I kept this, but not to shame him. Thinking about him and the time we spent together (with my brothers) makes me smile. He's the one person I wish my wife and children could've met. The note, of course, was a reminder for my grandmother to grab bananas, grapes, and watermelon while at the supermarket. All fruit.
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