Once Upon a Time...I Needed Rent Money

Once upon a time, there was a young boy named Cory. His parents owned two business, at which he spent most of his young life, which happened to be located next to a comic book store (Acme Comics). He soon found himself visiting the shop often, buying books he thought had cool covers (Avengers Volume 3 written by Kurt Busiek, mostly). As he grew, so did his thirst for these skinny stapled pages filled with thought bubbles, bright costumes, and heroic deeds. As he grew even older he, in an attempt to separate himself from the 'geek' stereotype of a comic book reader (and to get laid), began to read non-superhero comics (which he referred to as "graphic novels"). Although this did not help him get laid, it did get him reading some really great stories. He read, and read, and read. He went to college. He wrote his freshmen research paper on how 'heroism displayed in the medium of superhero comics has changed" in which he analytically compared the first issues of The Avengers from the 1960s to the first volume of The Ultimates from the early 2000s. As comics became more popular (Watchmen movie-what?) and he began to find himself among others who enjoyed the story-telling form he decided to start buying comics again. But only in collected additions, because they were a little cheaper than buying issues monthly, and they would last longer. Then he decided to move into an apartment. And couldn't get a job to help with rent. But still wanted to read comics (among other things like drink, buy groceries, and get laid). What is our hero to do? 

Well that's as far as the tale has come kiddies. 

Essentially, I can't find a job in St. Louis. Not even the university 'residence department' would e-mail me back. And they just wanted me to carry garbage around the Washington University campus. Oh, and my internship? Totally unpaid. 

So here's the series that is going to break my bank:

Fables by Bill Willingham

The concept? What if all of the characters from fables, storybooks, nursery rhymes lived in a magical land together? And what if those fables were run out of this land by some unknown evil known only as The Adversary? And what if then, these fables took up secret residency in New York City? Well that would be Fables. The mere concept should be enough to hook you, but the amazing writing, mostly beautiful artwork, superb covers, and the ability to see what happens when the fairy tale ends (the Beast is only human as long as his Beauty loves him...what if she stops? Do the princesses mind that they are all rescued by one figure, simply Prince Charming?) will all grab you as well. 

The reason this is going to cost me? Well the series has been going for awhile now. In fact, I began reading it in High School, stopped at some point, and am now picking it back up again. There are currently 11 regular volumes, one extra previously unreleased graphic novel, and the series is still being published. Oh, and there is a spin-off with something like five volumes as well. With each of these costing (considering shipping) around $15-$20 a piece, its going to be an expensive hobby to take up. Luckily, I already own a number of these, but unfortunately also have every intention of buying the rest. And soon. 

Before you start, yes. I've thought about just getting them from a library. But I don't want to have to do that each time I want to read them. I don't read novels more than once usually (only have on a few occasions), but I read comics multiple times pretty often. They're a quick read because of their length, and depending on the series, some amazing artwork. 

Please ask me to borrow these, or check them out at your local libraries. You'll want to start with Volume One: Legends in Exile. Key characters you'll be following? Snow White, The Big Bad Wolf, Boy Blue, Prince Charming, and Rose Red (don't know who it is? Don't worry, you'll learn LOTS of fables by reading the series). 

*CORY FUN FACT: I used to have a livejournal. Try to find it. It was Fables themed. Oh yes. My username was a mix of one of my high school activities and a race of creature in a Final Fantasy game. Because I was really cool in high school. (I swear I actually was. I was even on Prom Court. Check that shit.) You'll never guess it. Comment and I'll probably just give it to you. 

Other comic collections I'd recommend? 

Y: The Last Man by Brian K. Vaughn

I've already whored these books out to most of my close friends. I don't want to ruin anything, so I'll tell you the basic plot of this ten trade (that's a collection of about six issues for those non-comic readers) series. What if every man on Earth died? Every last one but an amateur escape artist named Yorick Brown and his pet monkey Ampersand? These books are heart-wrenching, hilarious, and surprisingly epic (but with totally down to earth characters). I can honestly say that it may be the greatest piece of storytelling I've ever experienced. A must read. Especially before the movie trilogy comes out (in the works, starring Shia LaBeouf). (ALSO: There are lesbians!)

The Authority by Warren Ellis

This is for those who are a fan of the superhero genre but like their heroes a little darker, more realistic, and beating the living shit out of people. There are LOTS of volumes of this out (not all by Ellis) and while I can't think of an Authority story I didn't like, I'd say that the Ellis stuff is probably a little stronger than the others. It's a great look at superhero stories (especially if you're familiar with the genre) that explores what gives supposed heroes the right to do any of the things they do, and if that right even matters if the heroes have enough power. Oh, and it does it in a way that doesn't shove a bunch of shit down your throat (see: Marvel's Civil War). You don't have to pick a side, you're just along for the ride. 

So, will I make rent? Stay tuned. I'm sure internet will be the last thing I cut off (after heat, but probably before electricity) so at the very least you'll be given warning. 

I may be financially irresponsible, but I rationalize it pretty well in my mind. I attended a theater festival in my early and formative high school years, and the theme was "Why We Tell Our Stories". I consider myself a storyteller (a writer, comedian, and all around tale weaver). I live for narratives. And why I'd love to know why Willingham does the the things he's doing to his characters in Fables, I'll absolutely settle for finding out what exactly happens. 

What's your favorite childhood fable?

Life of the American College Student

Time to share with you two of my new favorite ways to waste/spend time. 

As you know, I've just completed my sophomore year at Washington University in St. Louis. I've lived in the dorms for two years (Lee 3 and Dauten 3 FOR LIFE). Living in the dorms has been an amazing experience. There's something about the energy that comes with too many people crammed into too small of a space to co-habitate effectively. There are always adventures, laughing, probably some screaming, and somewhere, somebody, is getting sloshed. 

I'm excited to be moving into an apartment next year, and even though I'll be living in a building with most of my friends from the dorms, I can't help but wonder if that energy will prevail when we all have our own rooms, our own spaces, and no reason to band together as a housing unit (see RES-COLLEGE OLYMPICS in the dorms). 

Being away from the dorms for only a week so far, I've already become pretty nostalgic. So what do I do? I start watching MTV's College Life and the internet's very own Dorm-Life. These two shows both focus on freshmen at school and their wayward adventures along the out of high school and into sophomorehood. 

College Life

If you're not familiar with the show, MTV has given a number of freshmen at University of Wisconsin, Madison camcorders and told them to film their first years at school. There are no crews, no mics, no directors on set, just kids with a camcorder. An idea my friends and I have had many a time (ours idea was to just set up a camcorder in a corner and film one of our parties). 

I didn't start watching the show when it premiered. Probably because I was at the time an enrolled college student. College life? I was living college life. Of course now that I'm stuck in Bloomington, IL, I miss the college life dearly. The show is particularly interesting because it's a look at state schools that I've never had. Sure, I grew up on the campus of Illinois State University, but any ISU parties I have attended have been house parties surrounding the large campus. The major differences I've observed between UW-M (I don't know how you kids abbreviate your school, sorry) and Wash U are that drinking is not allowed in the dorms, and the floors don't seem as close. 

Wash U doesn't officially allow drinking in the dorms...but yes it does. Freshmen year, as long as you have your door open (so the RAs can make sure you're not vomiting, dead, or playing beer pong) drinking is okay. No drinking games. No parties (what's a party? when the RA decides it's too loud). 

N

ow, it could be that the College Life kids just aren't filming their floor interactions (or MTV has decided that stuff isn't dramatic enough) but it seems like these kids are friends with their roommates and that's about it. I never get the feeling of camaraderie that I think so specifically defined my freshmen experience. The idea that all these kids are in it together, come hell or high water. 

There have only been five episodes so far, so it's not too late to jump into the show. I caught up in just a night (the episodes are only half-an-hour long each). If you want to start watching this Monday at 10:30/9:30 central, but you don't have the time to watch the older episodes, here's a quick primer of what you need to know:

- Alex is an overachiever who for whatever reason can't NOT fail her classes. Little drama, seems to be in the show less and less every week.

- Andrea is a Miley Cyrus looking princess. She can't decide what she wants. Or rather what she wants is insane. She wants her ex-boyfriend (Josh) to pine after her so she can act like he's a freak for not being able to let their relationship go, but she doesn't want Josh to be happy with any other girl, because she's supposed to be his everything. Least sympathetic character on the show (maybe). Her roommate is awesome for keeping it real and calling Andrea out on her shit. 

- Jordan is a mixed student from Illinois who actually might be the least sympathetic character. He brings no drama with other students (not convinced he has friends), but has the time to spend $2400 on a stupid tattoo when he's supposed to be paying his parents back for school. And yes, his mother has two jobs to put him through college. 

- Lindsay was added in the second or third episode to add some drama. She argued with her roommate for getting sexiled, and is currently hooking up (and de-virginizing?) Josh. Yes. Andrea's Josh. 

- Kevin. Kevin. Kevin. Really the only genuinely entertaining character on the show, Kevin is a bro. He plays beer pong in his room. He sexiles his roommate constantly. He can't pass calculus. And he's gotten kicked out of the dorms for drinking offenses. Oh yes. Give this man a show. 

Dorm-Life

This is a web-show recommended to me by a friend after hearing I liked College Life. This, unlike College Life, is an intentional comedy show. Each episode is around five minutes long, a new episode premieres every Monday on the Dorm-Life website, and there are currently about thirty episodes. This sketch comedy follows the lives of the 5-South freshmen floor, and oddly enough is more believable than College Life. Even though each of the characters are built around a stereotype (douchy RA, overexcited floormate, sorority girls, freshmen with girlfriend back home, theatre kid), the show actually presents situations that should appear very familiar to the typical college student (team-building day, theme parties, shy kid's first shot). And I've got to say, after twenty episodes (the first season and first semester, and how far I am into the show) these stereotypes have grown legs and I've actually started to care about them (much more than I could ever see myself caring about that hoe-bag Andrea from College Life). 

Seriously, I'd suggest this over College Life. It's made me unbelievably nostalgic for dorm life...so you may want to wait until you've actually left school (I know some of you are still there). I'll leave you with the link to the first episode, Roommates, and my favorite episode, Group Shot. It's a hilarious episode, but if you do plan on watching all of them, I'd suggest not viewing the clip. All of the episodes kind of build on one another, and this episode comes pretty late in the first season, so it has plenty of spoilers!

For those of you over the age of 18... what's your favorite memory from your freshmen floor?

Season Finales and a New Beginning

Hello all! I'm back!

It's a new summer, and a new beginning for See:Oh!Are.Why?

Essentially to get caught up here's what you need to know:

- I'm Cory.

- I've now completed my sophomore year at Washington University in St. Louis in the Olin Business School.

- I watch a lot of trashy TV.

- I try to read a lot of great stuff.

- I hope to update this a few times a week.

- Assume spoilers for every book, magazine, TV show, album, and movie ever thought of or released. Sorry.

- Now that it's summer, the blog is up and running again (with a new layout!)

I'm sure I'll have a post about my upcoming summer plans soon, but essentially I'm going to be moving back to St. Louis in two weeks to start a management/marketing internship with HotCity Theatre. 

There's something much more important than internship happening though. It's SEASON FINALE...SEASON. Regularly scheduled programs are about to end and summer programming is about to begin. Which means shows have to end with a bang. A kablam. A total cliffhanger. The detonation of an A-Bomb and the ruination of time. 

So obviously there's a big one tonight. The season finale of LOST. The end of season five. The finale of the penultimate chapter of the LOST saga. Will Jack detonate the bomb? Will Ben kill Jacob? Will we see Jacob? Where is Claire? Does time just...NOT exist? 

I'm unfortunately watching the finale alone. My parents are only halfway through season one, so they obviously can't watch it with me. So I'm making them hang out in my room so I can experience the two-hour finale on our big screen HDTV. That makes me sound spoiled, and bratty, but really my parents are just cool about stuff. Right? Whatever as of this year I'm only home for four weeks out of a year, so I can get a little spoiled while I'm home. 

Other notable finales in my life? 

Uhhh. NINEOHTWOONEOH. That's90210forthoseofyouwhorequirespacesinbetweenwordstoeffectivelyread. 

That's 90210 for those of you who really require spaces in between words to effectively read.

Part one of the finale already aired (it wasn't billed as such, but both episodes take place at the West Bev prom/after-prom so they might as well be one episode. I highly suggest tuning into the finale, it's sure to be electric. Here's what you need to know:

<-- Annie is a dumb bitch (yes, she is the girl from Degrassi)

Meanwhile, 90210 should be called the NAOMI SHOW. She's the bitchiest girl on 'campus' (is that what it's called in high school?) and really the funniest/most entertaining character. ---->

Things to look out for in the finale? Will Liam finally make a move for Annie after finally confessing his "like" for Naomi? How many minutes in will Silver hook up with Ethan (BOUND TO HAPPEN, MARK MY WORDS), and will they explain why the hell Sophomores a) are all at prom or b) have their own prom?

Also looking forward to the finales of Parks and Recreation (seriously, give this show a chance), The Office, and of course my new favorite 30 Rock. All the upcoming finales look funny, but the great thing about dramas is that the finale is INTEGRAL to the whole experience. I'm sure something important will happen during each of these finales, but nothing is set up to have the same impact as the end of season two of The Office (JIM AND PAM KISS). If anything, the cliffhanger would have to be that for whatever reason Jim and Pam decide to call of the wedding. But even if they do, you know they'll get back together next season. So, yeah, looking forward to these, but could probably DVR them as well. 

The other big finale of the season? The Real Housewives of New York City. I didn't even watch this show (caught it a few times) until I finished school last week. I've caught up on marathons and WHAT A SEASON. Essentially, there are three likable characters, Jill (the Jewish Motha I never had), Alex (the quirky one who lives in Brooklyn and nobody will talk to), and Bethenny (the smart ass single chef who makes the show bearable). The finale was last week, but this week Bravo is airing the reunion special. And there's so much dirt to dish that it [reportedly] took seven hours to film, and the network is breaking it into two hour long segments. The first has already aired (last night) but the second is coming up on Thursday. If you've seen the show you KNOW you have to watch so you can see Bethenny and Kelly tear into each other, and even if you didn't watch the show, why not watch some rich bitches argue for an hour? 

Seriously though, Bethenny is the break-out star of the show. Check her website or twitter. And yes, she follows me on Twitter. 

And finally some other reality finales of worth:

- For the Love of Ray J (so glad Cocktail won)

- Rock of Love: Tour Bus (did anybody watch this once Ashley got kicked off?)

- Tough Love (this wasn't a competition. I stopped watching it.)

- Make Me a Supermodel (uh, that British white guy is going to win. NO DOUBT.)

- America's Next Top Model (I watched part of the marathon this week and have to say I'm rooting for Allison. She's just so goofy looking.)

- I Love Money 2 (We all wanted Saaphyri to win. Don't play.)

- American Idol (I don't watch this. The gay guy is going to win, right?)

- Real Housewives of New Jersey (I'm just on a RH high)

I leave you with this. Although our favorite shows are ending, the summer season is not without its own diamonds in the rough. I feel like that should be spelled 'diamonds in the ruff'. I must be thinking of some dog pun. 

Right, so the notable shows to start watching out for?

- Charm School hosted by Ricki Lake (I love Ricki Lake, and I love this show. Premiered already, and it looks like the Rock of Love girls are going down. I'll stop watching when Ashley gets kicked out).

- Big Brother (guilty pleasure)

- SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE (I'll be blogging about this a lot, so just start watching it to save time). 

- NOT The Fashion Show (seriously, if the rest of the episodes are like the first, this show suckssss)

I'm going to try a new thing where I ask a question at the end of each post. So you can answer, and I can know people read this. 

What is the best season/series finale episode you can think of? What made it so good?

Save the Last Dance, but for Who?

So at the beginning of the summer I was pretty good about updating all of you about what was happening on one of my favorite shows, So You Think You Can Dance?. I mean, I updated you guys about it like, twice. Which is pretty good.

Well there are only two more weeks in the competition, and it's not too late to start watching. To be honest, this is one of the better times to start watching because only the top six dancers are left, meaning almost ALL of the routines should be really good at this point. I know from talking to friends that some people don't watch the show but happen to catch a few of the more popular performances while surfing YouTube. Well I thought I'd save you all some trouble (because I love you) and showcase the final six dancers with videos of my favorite of their performances. That way you know who to vote for (Chelsie).

First, the girls.

Katee Shean
I imagine Katee will be one of the two finalists, and is a SHOE IN for top four. She has never been in the bottom (via audience voting), and the judges have never disliked one of her performances. She's trained as a contemporary dancer, but has also been noted for her great Broadway style. She almost didn't make the show after expressing to the judges that this was her last year auditioning. For someone who was the last pick for the Top 20, she has done VERY well. One of my favorite performances from her was Week 4 in which she does a contemporary routine with her original partner Joshua (another top six dancer).



Chelsie Hightower
Chelsie is a Latin Ballroom dancer, and is younger than me. Which is just nutty, because she's already a star on a hit TV show and has is like a national champion or something. Meanwhile, I, at the rip age of nineteen, have trouble getting over fifty hits on my blog each week. Chelsie has been my favorite since about week two or three. I'm not saying she's THE BEST dancer on the show, but she's definitely one of the best and my favorite to watch. It doesn't hurt that she's totally cute either. I think Chelsie is destined to make the final four (she also has never been in the bottom), but I don't think she'll take the title home at the end of the season. My pick for my favorite routine? There are a LOT to choose from, but I decided to go with a contemporary piece with Gev (eliminated two weeks ago).



Courtney Galiano
Alright. I love the girl, and think she has the best solos every week (trained as a contemporary dancer), but she's only got one more week in the competition. She's up against Chelsie and Katee, neither of which have ever been in the bottom of the voting scale (unless Miss Galiano). She really is a great dancer, but for whatever reason she doesn't have the fanbase the other two women do. So sorry, Courtney, but hey! Top 3 girls isn't too bad! My pick for her routine is a jazz routine (done by my favorite choreographer Mandy Moore- no, not the singer/actress) with Gev (again). A really great concept, and just an all around fun piece.

Joshua Allen
All right here is my pick for the winner of the competition. He is a hip-hop dancer (with a little ballet training) that has won the heart of America. He's so humble and sweet and just adorable. Plus he's a surprisingly versatile dancer. The judges have never said a bad word about him and he has also NEVER been in the bottom. Plus, he has braces, which just adds to his charm. Seriously, he's like a big teddy bear that you just want to hold. I absolutely think he will be one of the final two (final four is a guarantee), and I'd be pretty surprised if he didn't win (though his only competition may be his long-time partner Katee). My pick for my favorite Josh routine is probably his and Katee's first (a lyrical hip-hop) but I've already linked that once in this blog (see like, my second post ever) so I'll choose another. His Bollywood routine with Katee. Something about a large black man dancing Bollywood is just tooooo good.

"Twitch" Boss
Twitch missed the Top 20 last season by just a hair. Luckily he made it this season, is in the top six, and has a pretty good chance at making top four. He's a hip-hop dancer with AMAZING solos, but doesn't always do the best in his partner dances. The audience loves him, but he was surprisingly in the bottom two this past week. Twitch fans will have to step up their game if they want him in the season finale, but he has a pretty good shot at it. My favorite Twitch routine is another contemporary one. I think I just really like the concept of this rather than Twitch's dancing (not that it's bad). Whatever, here's the vid.

Mark Kanemura
If you had told me at the beginning that this Hawaii native was going to be in the top six I probably wouldn't have believed you. Hell, if you had told me four days ago I wouldn't have believed you. But, the people have spoken and he is still in the competition. It's not that he's a bad dancer (hell he was one of my favorite simply because he was paired with Chelsie), but it doesn't seem like Mark has really done anything to garner such a big fanbase. I suppose its his quirkyness and charm. Whatever it is, I think this is going to be the last week for it. He has a shot at top four, but I think Twitch fans will vote in the millions after he was in the bottom two this week. My favorite Mark performance in a lyrical hip-hop with his original partner Chelsie (and to be honest, I think she outdances him in the routine).

So there you have it America, you're top six dancers. Even if you don't watch the show, I do urge you to check out at least some of the posted videos or to look some up on YouTube. These dancers really are extremely talented, and there's stuff from hip-hop to samba, to contemporary, to the cha-cha. Whatever you're in to, they've probably done it.

ALSO. The new Danity Kane video for "Bad Girl" (featuring Missy Elliot) has premiered and can be found on YouTube. I'll let you look it up for yourselves because to be honest, I'm not that impressed with it.

Hair Do(s) Times Two?

So I didn't really plan on writing a blog tonight (at 1:3o in the AM), but seeing as some of my plans fell through tonight, here's where we are loyal readership. It's like lordship but for my readers.

Just a few nights ago I was up at this time, not sure what to do with myself. Too tired to really embark on something productive (like playing video games or reading), with neither Facebook or my faithful Google Reader providing much news in the wee hours of the morning. So I fell into the trap of late night TV. Luckily I was saved by my parents subscription to HBO (or Starz, I can't remember which one I was watching), because the movie Hairspray was on. Those who know me know that I've been involved with theater most of my life, so I'm a likely candidate to appreciate and enjoy this movie. Musicals don't scare me. Those who REALLY know me that the original movie (made in 1988, written and directed by John Waters) is my favorite movie of all time. Best movie of all time? No, but definitely my favorite. No matter how many times I see it, I still think it's one of the funniest and most uplifting movies I've laid eyes on. And look at that cast! Ricki Lake, Divine, Debbie Harry, Sonny Bono, Jerry Stiller, and Colleen Fitzpatrick (better known now as Vitamin C)!

So, I love the original, I adored the stage production (seen both on tour and on Broadway), and yes I even enjoyed the 2007 film adapation of the stage adaptation of the film. Sure, I had a few qualms with the newest movie (mainly with the portrayal of Tracy Turnblad. I mean, why would she run from the cops? Jail time is really scarier to her than racial injustice? This just isn't the Tracy that stars in either the original movie or the stage production) but overall I really love the new movie. I saw it in theaters two or three times (which is big for me, because as a rule I'm just not a "movie person") and each time I left the theater with a huge smile planted on my face, and believe it or not wanting to just go out and dance.

This blog really isn't a commentary about how absurd it is that there are three versions of this story out there (two of which within the same media), it's more of a celebration. I say, go see all three versions of the story. They're all good. And if the final scene of the newest movie doesn't make your heart SWELL with glee and triumph, you've seriously got something wrong with you. The dancing is amazing, the singing is great (except for Amanda Bynes who is just too darn awkward and adorable at the same time to blame), and you almost get used to Travolta's weird accent (and portrayal of Edna) by the end of the movie.

The reason for the seemingly pointless post? Well A) None of my posts are meaningless and shame on you for thinking such a thing. B) I can't stop listening to the ending credits song "Come So Far (Got So Far to Go)", which is almost as fun and uplifting as the ending scene itself, and C) There is rumor of a sequel.

Stop the presses, slam on the brakes, raise the roof. WHAT? A sequel? Now, Cory that just doesn't make sense! You've clearly elaborated that the newest movie is based off of a stage show which is based off of an amazing Waters film from the 80's! And neither of those had sequels.

I know, I know.

At first I was COMPLETELY turned off by the idea. What story are they going to tell? The kids go to college? The Corny Collins show can't just become "officially integrated" simply by Corny announcing it? The story of what happened to Amber's dad (who was played by Sonny Bono in the original)? Now, none of the cast of the movie has signed anything (and I do believe almost all of them would have to do so for the movie to succeed), but two particular people HAVE agreed to work on the project, and they're the reason this idea might just be crazy enough to work. Adam Shankman (somewhat regular guest judge on my obsession So You Think You Can Dance?), who was the director and choreographer of the movie has agreed to do the sequel, and THE John Waters is going to pen the script. I trust these two men to only deliver something us longtime Hairspray lovers will appreciate and accept. So, keep your fingers crossed and that hair a hoppin because the studio is hoping for a 2010 release.

My quick blurb for you? Read Tom Perrota's "Little Children". Or at the very least see the movie. I'd suggest doing both (probably with the book first). I read the book a few years ago and loved it and just this week saw the movie (starring Kate Winslet and Patrick Wilson (who will be seen in the upcoming Watchmen) ah! I still need to close another parentheses!). I was surprised how well the movie stayed true to the book (except for the ending, which was just as unfulfilling yet somehow completely fitting as the novel). I won't give you a whole summary, but know that it's a look at suburban life, specifically at the lives of parents and their inability to be the person they want to be, the spouse, or the parent. The book features an AMAZING cast of characters from workaholic mothers, to porn-addicted husbands, stay-at-home dads, and a lonely woman who spends every moment with her daughter and how they all deal with the threat of a convicted sexual offender entering their carefully contructed world of park outings and scheduled sexual intercourse. And that's not even from the back of the book (though I've always wanted to be the guy who wrote those).




Here's the credit reel in case you needed to hear that song again (I do).

Vom; Queso Dip; Fem-Brits OH MY!

Firstly, my birthday was Saturday. I'll just say that wearing your favorite outfit on your birthday makes sense. That outfit probably makes you feel good, makes you look good, and gets you in the right state of mind to have a good time. But sometimes you have too much of a good time, and end up vomming all over that perfect birthday outfit. Such is the case for one Cory Williams, who puked for the first time since he was nine (drinking related or otherwise) to celebrate his 19th birthday. Oopsies.

Now then, there are two things I'd really like to discuss today. The first is Mexican food, or rather the varying degrees of its authenticity. Now, I am Mexican. One-fourth to be exact. This is particularly obvious my looking at pictures of my father. Now I'm not saying I'm the most Mexican person coming from the most Mexican family, but I do care a lot about my heritage. We don't eat traditionally Mexican foods in my house all the time (though my mother, who is completely white, does make some good enchiladas), but when some family members who are a tad more Mexican than I come to Christmas Eve dinner, they do bring handmade tamales. So I do know a few things about what I'm talking about here.

Now then, my favorite places to get Mexican food are Fiesta Ranchera, a locally owned chain of restaurants ran by, you guessed it, real Mexicans, and Taco Bell. Hear me out. I have found there are three levels of authenticity to Mexican food. Authentic (served by people who have trouble getting your drink order), Shitty (Taco Bell and cafeteria), and Imposter (Qdoba and Chipotle).

Basically, when I want Mexican food I either want actual Mexican food, generally served by people who would understand what you wanted if you asked for mole on the side. This is good food, meant to satisfy a craving and deliver some great cultural flavor. If I'm drunk, I probably want Mexican food from the "Shitty" category. I want a taco, but I don't care if some fourteen year old blonde kid made it. Because I'm just hungry and want a lot of food, fast, and for as little money as possible. What the hell is a crunchwrap supreme? A traditional taco wrapped in a tortilla with cheese sauce. There's nothing authentic about it, but it's heaven wrapped in a thin grease soaked piece of paper.

What I never want is the authenticy level of Taco Bell for more money. Enter: Qdoba and Chipotle. Granted, these places should cost more money because the food is of a higher quality, but not of a more Mexican quality. I never want an okay quesadilla, I either want a great one, or one that cost about a dollar. I don't hate places like Qdoba, I just have no need of them.

The other thing that I wanted to run past you guys is the recent slew of British women invading my iTunes. In the past few months, three albums starring British women have come into my life, and really have started to become some of my most played tracks.

Duffy
This Welsh singer has both my mother and I dancing through our shifts at work. She has a great voice, and some fun sounding songs whose lyrics tell a story of love, and more often love-lost. Her voice is a little thin, but her style reminds of some motown stuff. My dad, who knows nothing of the singer, was listening to her one day and said that the song sounded like something Aretha Franklin would sing if she was still making music. I have no idea if she is still making music, but I'm sure glad Duffy is. The album? "Rockferry" The songs to download? "Mercy", "Delayed Devotion", and "Stepping Stone".

Adele

This English singer may not be the prettiest new face in town, but her sound is a horribly wonderful blend of smooth and thrill. She's more jazzy than Duffy, and her songs aren't as catchy, but I have to say that her syrupy thick voice makes her stand apart from the other women included in this blog. I first heard about Adele (and Duffy) through Vh1's YouOughtaKnow program, and was hooked after hearing her first single. Her first single is still gaining fame, which seems a bit odd because her debut album was released almost a whole seven months ago. The album? "19" The songs to download? "Chasing Pavements", "Best for Last", and "Right as Rain".

The Ting Tings
Okay, this is a group, not a woman. But it's only a two person group, one is a woman, and she is the lead singer. I have to admit, when I first heard this band I was NOT into it. At all. Duffy and Adele won me over immediately, but it took repeated listening to find what was so great about this duo. And what is so great? I'm not sure if its their inherent goofiness, their 80's flair, their killer videos, or what, but the music is slowly but surely infectious. I find myself constantly singing their songs throughout the day, not even knowing that I liked the songs that much. I also like them because they remind of The White Stipes, but with none of the weird questions about their relationship. I mean, I don't know if they're dating or what, but I know they're not related. Nor are they creepy in general. This group has also won the coveted spot of Cory's newest ringtone (after M.I.A. was knocked out becuase everybody and their mother has Paper Planes as their ringtones nowadays). The album? "We Started Nothing" The songs to download? "Shut Up and Let Me Go", "Great DJ" (My ringtone), and "That's Not My Name".

Which British female singer to stay away from? Leona Lewis. Seriously, I don't mind her stuff all that much (and Bleeding Love has a special place in my heart because of the dance choreographed to it for So You Think You Can Dance?), but I played her at a party last week and almost everyone in the vicinity of the boombox started complaining.

I'll leave you with the videos of these lovely ladies so you can have a sample yourself. These aren't my favorite songs from any of the artists, but I don't get to decide which singles they release.

It's a Bird! It's a Plane! It's Another Summer Blockbuster!

So I love comics. It's a little known fact about me, but I have read comics since I was a little kid. This is probably because I used to go to work with my Dad (and am now employed by said father), and there was/is a comic book shop just two doors down from our store.

I have mostly read Marvel, though I dabbled in a few DC titles, and am a BIG fan of DC's "adult/alternative" publishing arms Vertigo and Wildstorm. I could talk about comics for an endlessly long blog (in fact, my 14 page term paper this spring was on The Avengers), but this post is instead going to focus on the recent surge in comic book movies.

The recent plethora of comic book based films started with the release of X-Men in May 2000 (I can't believe it's been EIGHT years since X-Men came out). Since then at least 20 comic book movies have been released with (off of the top of my head), even more in pre-production. Take a look:

X-Men (2000)
Spider-Man (2000)
Daredevil (2003)
Hulk (2003)
X-Men 2: X-Men United (2003)
Catwoman (2004)
Hellboy (2004)
Punisher (2004)
Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Sin City (2005)
Elektra (2005)
Fantastic Four (2005)
Constantine (2005)
Batman Begins (2005)
V for Vendetta (2005)
Superman Returns (2006)
X-Men 3 : The Last Stand (2006)
300 (2007)
30 Days of Night (2007)
Spider-Man 3 (2007)
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)
Ghost Rider (2007)
The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Iron Man (2008)
Wanted (2008)
Batman: The Dark Knight (2008)
Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)
Punisher: War Zone (2008)

And all of those were just the ones I could think of (I did have to look up their release years. I mean, I'm not Ethan.) Granted, some of these were not the best interpretations of their respective comic books, but they were still released. I know a lot of people are OVER the whole super-hero/comic book movie trend (though to be fair, those are two different trends that happen to intersect pretty often), but as a total geek, I'm still way into it! As in, I'm not just looking forward to Dark Knight (I am), I'm looking forward to more new comic movies like Thor and Captain America and The Watchmen, more sequels like Iron Man 2 and even prequels like X-Men Orgins: Wolverine.

Something I think is really cool is the upcoming Avengers movie. Obvs, I'm excited because it's the Avengers, but I also am really into how Marvel's production team is setting up this movie. The point of the Avengers is that there are some threats that a single hero can't stop by him or herself, and thus have to team up with other generally solo adventurists to stop a great evil. So Marvel is going to first make solo movies for each of the heroes featured, Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, and Captain America. This will allow the Avengers movie to thrive in its own right as a great story (assuming they don't draft a shitty script) rather than a jumble of origin stories for each character before the action can begin.

So far, two of the four pre-Avengers movies have been released, and Marvel has already worked to intertwine their movie characters in anticipation for the movie that will bring them all together. In Iron Man you can see Captain America's famed shield on Tony's workbench (if you look closely enough, under his arm), and there is an extra like thirty second clip after the credits (ALL OF THE CREDITS. WHICH WAS COMPLETELY UNNECESSARY) in which Sam Jackson invites Tony Stark to be a part of the "Avengers Initiative". And then of course, we have the cameo of Tony Stark in the newest Incredible Hulk movie. Rumor has it that there was even a scene of the Hulk movie that was cut which features Banner/Hulk going to the arctic and finding/seeing Captain America (who was of course frozen after his heroic exploits in WWII against the Nazis). I'm sorry, but this kind of stuff gives me a geek-gasm.

It's for sure more exciting than DC's plans for their JLA (Justice League of America) in which all of their flasship heroes appear, many for the first time on film. Even the few who have had solo movies like Batman and Superman, are not going to feature the actors who portrayed them in their solo adventures. I feel like comic fans are not going to have a HUGE problem with this because we're used to artists coming and going on books, visually reinterpreting the characters, but I'm not sure if general movie goers are going to understand why Christian Bale will star in Batman movies that are coming out only a few years before JLA.

I do have a small gripe with the Avengers movie however. The original line-up of the Avengers didn't include Captain America, but instead Ant-Man and his wife The Wasp. I understand that Cap is a much more recognizable hero, and was there starting at like issue #4, but I do wonder if Ant-Man or the Wasp will be included given that their solo movie (one is in the works) is not slated to premiere before the Avengers movie.

I just hope that the Thor and Captain America movies are good, because if they're not, I'm not sure how well The Avengers will fare. Neither are cookie-cutter "super hero" movies in that Thor is supposedly taking place in his home of Asgard, making it more of a fantasy movie, and the Captain America movie will be taking place during WWII, before Cap turns into a popsicle. We'll see.

Other superhero movies I'm looking foward to are The Dark Knight (obviously), The Watchmen (read it once, hopefully will again before the premiere), Y:The Last Man (in which Yorick is the only man in the world to not die of unknown causes), and The Runaways.

The last two are still in the script writing phase, but seriously look out for The Runaways. If this movie can come out, it should be great, as long as Marvel doesn't make it too kiddy. The general story is that a group of kids whose parents are good friends find out their parents are actually an evil cult and crimemasters, aliens and timetravelers, mutants and witches. It's hilarious, action packed, and full of teenage angst.






In other news, I TURN NINETEEN IN TWO DAYS.