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Sunday, January 31, 2010

Lady Gaga and Sir Elton

Youtube kept disabling this video, so click here.


Omar's coming!

I have just finished watching The Wire on DVD. 60 episodes; 23 discs. I strongly recommend it to everyone. Just make sure that you start at the beginning - Season 1, Disc 1.

“Each season of The Wire focused on a different facet of the city of Baltimore. They were, in order: the illegal drug trade, the port system, the city government and bureaucracy, the school system, and the print news media. The large cast consisted mainly of character actors who were little known for their other roles. Simon has said that despite its presentation as a crime drama, the show was "really about the American city, and about how we live together. It's about how institutions have an effect on individuals, and how whether you're a cop, a longshoreman, a drug dealer, a politician, a judge or a lawyer, you are ultimately compromised and must contend with whatever institution you've committed to."

Despite never seeing large commercial success or winning any major television awards. The Wire has frequently been described by critics as the greatest television series of all time. The show is recognized for its realistic portrayal of urban life, literary ambitions, and uncommonly deep exploration of sociopolitical themes.” [1]


The Wire could be compared to a tapestry in how it's story-lines were woven together. Some characters made brief appearances or had walk-ons in one season, only to show up and have a huge impact two seasons later. Of all the richly drawn and captivating characters in the show's sprawling cast over five seasons, the character of Omar Little was surely the most complex.


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“Omar is a bit of a contradiction. On the one hand, he is a deadly stick-up artist who is so brash, he robs drug dealers while whistling “The Farmer in the Dell.” On the other hand, he is a sensitive person who will do anything for those he cares about. In a world where homosexuality is considered a weakness, Omar is openly gay and is still one of the most feared men on the streets of Baltimore.” [2]


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Omar lives by a strict code and never deviates from his rules, foremost of which is that he never rob or menace people who are not involved in 'the game'.

“They originally said seven episodes and you're out of here," says Michael K Williams, the man who plays him, "but after the first few weeks filming, David Simon and Ed Burns [the shows creators] came up to me on set and said they loved the passion I was bringing to it. They said they wanted to expand the role and told me to go and watch The Wild Bunch. They'd based a lot of the character on those old westerns."



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So, with his duster, battle armor and shotgun, along with his attitude, he had a lot of what you would call “bad-ass” scenes – very violent confrontations as he “ripped and ran”. But two of the most powerful scenes, in my opinion, are when Bunk confronts Omar with words and Omar's testimony against Bird.

Watch and enjoy...







Thursday, January 21, 2010

50 Lessons Life Taught Me

This is from Regina Brett, a columnist for The Plain Dealer in Cleveland, OH.

You’ve probably seen an e-mail circulating that says she is 90. Well, she’s actually 50 and has a book coming out this year (2010) based on these life lessons. They aren’t earth shattering – or even anything you haven’t heard before. They’re good advice.

1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.

8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.

12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don’t compare your life to others’. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry; God never blinks.

16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.

17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.

18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.

19. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: “In five years, will this matter?”

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.

35. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.

36. Growing old beats the alternative – dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.

41. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

42. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.

43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

45. The best is yet to come.

46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

48. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.

49. Yield.

50. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.



Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Very interesting- not too far off track, either

This was sent to me by a friend.
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A Taurus born on April 25 is a seeker of life's deepest mysteries. They possess great spirituality, which gives them amazing strength of character. April 25 natives take life as it comes. When disappointments come their way, they see the challenges as valuable learning experiences.

Friends and Lovers

April 25 individuals are introspective loners who don't need to find themselves through relationships. Because of their spiritual nature, they may remain celibate for long periods of time when not involved in a relationship.

Taurus Information for April 25

You should embrace: Concentration, pondering an answer, playing for keeps

You should avoid: Tension, telling a hurtful truth, worrying about death

Children and Family

A great many unresolved issues from childhood are likely to influence the adult lives of April 25 people. They seek to heal their emotional wounds by raising a family. This can prove helpful therapy for them, as long as they understand that forgiveness for the past must precede healing in the future.

Health

April 25 people do not have the robust health generally associated with Taureans, and they have a tendency to catch colds easily. Mineral water and herbal tea will help flush toxins from the system.

Career and Finances

April 25 people respond to music's natural resonance, which gives them physical grace and a natural sense of rhythm. They often become talented dancers, choreographers, figure skaters, musicians, and singers. Although intelligent, they are not advised to handle a significant amount of money without professional advice.

Dreams and Goals

The chief aim of April 25 individuals is to understand themselves. Success has little to do with accumulating worldly possessions or praise. It is the intangibles of life that concern April 25 people. In their quiet way these people can make extraordinary spiritual mentors.

Pinhead

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Red House

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