LeaV

So, uh, yeah.  I get to have cadaver parts put in to my knee, because the synthetic part ate my cartilage : /

I'm a bit in heaps more pain as of late...meaning, the synthetic bone plug I had put in my knee about a year ago has failed, and I need a hooman part put in to replace it...last ditch effort...next stop..."Artificial Knee Town."

What does this all mean?  Why am I even doing a journal about this?  Who cares, right?  Well, I have to have surgery, and I'll be offline for a few days starting...NOW...no, after I log off here.  I should answer some notes, say "oh hai" to a few people, look at your stuffs...but, to be honest, I've been lying around, icing my knee, and not much else.  PLEASE...I ask for no pity, really.  It's no big deal.  I just feel bad I'm not on here much as of late; and, I'm cool...and, the surgery means I get to go under general anesthesia; and I know it's weird, but I love that feeling just before checking out.  I get excited about that part.  Plus, I get to be in a wheelchair for about 6 to 8 weeks, and I love going to Wal-Mart and riding around in those motorized scooter/wheelchair things they have, because then I can get up right behind people and beep the little horn.  Who's gonna get mad at a person in a motorized scooter? 

Anyone else ever had surgery?  Do you like the anesthesia part?  : )

Yeah, I hurt a lot; but I just wanted to let anyone who gives a cluck know that I'm not ignoring...I'll be back hopefully by this weekend to catch up with everything so...

Don't You Forget About Me
Don't Don't Don't Don't
Don't You Forget About Me


As you walk on by
Will you call my name?
As you walk on by
Will you call my name?
When you walk away


Or will you walk away?
Will you walk on by?
Come on - call my name
Will you all my name?

Okay, that was dumb, but I'm in an 80s pop song mood right now.  Later!

~lea

Maybe you didn't know or it didn't matter.  Whatever.  That's cool.  Anyway, on July 4 in the very early morning hours, my cousin Reyes was murdered as he was walking home from a night out with a friend.  Apparently, the story has finally come to light as one guy wants a lighter sentence and leniency and squealed on his two accomplices.  I didn't even know all the full details.  So many things were being said and speculated.  Anyway, point being...I wanted to write a journal regarding my extreme pacifism after this happened, but I chickened out, as I was afraid how I would be judged for not supporting a certain pop singer.  I'll just let this article in the newspaper speak for itself.  See, I've grown up around violence, lots of unnecessary random and unexplainable violence.  My family can get violent; I've lived in violent places; I've seen the ramifications of violence first hand.  I guess I believe that I don't care what anyone says to me or does to me or insinuates...I just will not retaliate in kind.  Now mind you, protecting myself is one thing; but, even if I'm called the most heinous thing ever...I'll just turn my cheek.  It's not worth it, really.  And, I've suffered some serious beat downs.  Doesn't matter and it hasn't changed my position.  It's just made me stronger, I believe.

I've posted a link to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel article detailing the full story regarding what happened to my cousin, and how his mom and sisters are coping.  Maybe, I figured, if you sort of know someone (like me) that has been affected by senseless crime and brutality, you might think twice about how you respond in your own life and thoughts.  Or, maybe not, but I thought I'd give it a shot anyway. 

Also in the story, my cousin was a poet and a guitar player...all this runs in the family.  We play instruments, write, sing but are cursed by the legacy of poor choices and even worse circumstances...

The article link is here http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=779041.  Please read it if you can.  Then, you'll understand my nature a little better and my push to end impulsive, random, violent behavior one little thought at a time. 

Thanks everyone! 

Even though they are barely if at all read...my political blogs will only come more fast and furious as the United States Presidential election draws near.  So, here's the latest...

So, okay "New Yorker" magazine; perhaps your 'parody' of right-wing attacks against Sen. Obama's character is just pushing the envelope a little too far.  I appreciate humor.  I appreciate satire.  However, I'm not sure how many average Americans will actually pick up this magazine and read what the point of your cartoon illustration was, however noble and sympathetic to the unfair criticism Sen. Obama received.  I think most will just see this as a justification of the insinuations made regarding the Obamas.  Secondly, will there be a parody cover of Sen. McCain and his wife?  So, what do you think?  Read the New Yorker's reply here http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/07/14/obama-camp-slams-satirical-new-yorker-magazine-cover/.  Do you agree?  Or should the cover be pulled?

Well, here we go again Minnesota.  It is time to once again prove to the rest of the country that we are nothing but a bunch of hot-dish loving loons obsessively proud of how many lakes we’ve counted in our state and how many times we’ve visited and can talk about that big monstrosity referred to only as MOA.  What time is it you say?  Election time.  First of all, let me just say that I am fiercely loyal to this great state.  I’m not even a native Minnesotan and instead grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; but, I love Minnesota.  I’ve gotten so used to being quiet and picking up after myself and not having a sense of humor.  I’ve gotten used to living in the state where absolutely nothing is allowed.  I have found myself saying, “Yeah.  Sure” one too many times.  I refer to trips into Minneapolis or St. Paul as “going into town.”  Huh?  Yup, the culture and ambiance that is Minnesota, so lovingly mocked in “Drop Dead Gorgeous,” and “Grumpy Old Men,” has permeated my essence to the core.  

So, around election time is when I really, really begin to worry about how my beloved state will portray itself to the rest of the country with regard to who we are putting into elected office.  I pray, please, Minnesota, please do not come off as the goofy state that elected a pro wrestler as governor.  What?  Yes…a pro wrestler; but don’t tell him that.  That beefy, air-headed, self-serving idiot has such thin skin, he’ll probably cry great big, old crocodile tears while he’s beating on you telling you he was much more than just a pro wrestler…(yeah, he was also in “Predator” with Gov. Ahnuld)  But, to be fair, Ex-Governor Ventura was also a mayor in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. 

So, I wait with bated breath as the candidates for the 2008 senate race are announced and what happens?????  I sit back in awestruck wonder as I plan how I’m going to explain myself to friends outside of Minnesota when I realize that once again, Minnesota will be the laughing stock of the country.  Feast your eyes on the 2008 Minnesota senate candidates:

Our democratic entry into this mockery we call a senate race is Al Franken.  Al Franken was a comedian, and I use that term loosely.  He was on Saturday Night Live for quite a long time.  He’s done goofy movies (I do remember his bit part in “Trading Places”).  He also had the Al Franken Show on Air America Radio but left to run for senate.  I just think he’s bat shit crazy.  But despite that (and bat shit crazy might be a selling point for me to vote someone into office), and despite the fact that he spent mostly three decades as a professional comedian and may have said things not very becoming of a politician including rude and unfunny jokes about rape at an SNL staff meeting, or an article in Playboy magazine talking about a three-way with robots, and a less than appropriate comment about women in Afghanistan, we shouldn’t let that influence our decision of whether or not we will vote for him.  That shouldn’t phase you.  I really doubt that while Al Franken was on SNL or being a professional comedian or spouting off on his radio show, that he thought he’d better censor himself because he’d be running for a senate seat in Minnesota in 2008.  No, that doesn’t bother me.  It shouldn’t bother potential voters as well.  He was doing his “job” of being a comedian and not grooming himself to be a politician.  What does bother me, however, is that he is a liar and a cheat.  If you are running for office, and you were a comedian and said stuff resembling kind of, sort of comedy, fine; but if you are running for office and have made a habit of not paying your taxes or not filing required paperwork on your personal corporations in California, don’t blame your accountant and feign ignorance.  You know, if he would have just outright said, “I didn’t feel like paying them, because I wanted to keep all my money, and I was a greedy monkey,” I so would have voted for him.  Really, I would have.  But, being a snarky snake liar makes me think you’re just like all the other slick Willy shysters and none of your liberal, “for the people” rhetoric is believable AT ALL…It just comes off as ick.

This is our current Senator Norm Coleman.  Well, this was him in his radical hippie days.  Pretty cool, huh?  He looks like he was in a band and smoked lots of pot.  But, seriously, this is Sen. Coleman right now.

And, he is the incumbent.  He is the Republican entry in the senate race.  I think.  I hope he doesn’t change his mind and change parties again, because, he does that ya’ know.  Anyway, I still am reeling from the fact that Sen. Coleman capitalized on the untimely death of Sen. Paul Wellstone to take the senate seat in 2002.  Additionally, now I’m strictly following politics here, he has thrown down every right proposed for same-sex marriages and the rights and dignity of gays and lesbians; AND, he’s also against the legalization of marijuana.  What?  Jerk.  I have my priorities (legalize pot...then everything else, ya' hypocrite).  But, seriously, I’m not so sure about Sen. Coleman.  But, he did bring back pro hockey to Minnesota.  So, I guess that’s a plus, huh?

And, oh God just kill me now, perhaps our third nominee…

                                                                              Buy mah book!

Ex-Governor Goofball.  Ex-Governor Jesse Ventura.  He’d run as an independent.  He’d probably try to run on the “I’m Awesome,” ticket if he could.  Here’s ex-Governor Goofball’s logic, “"But if I do, rest assured, I will go out there with revolution on my mind, like my book says. I will be the biggest pain in the ass they have ever had on the Senate floor.” (Buy mah book!)  That is true, Jesse, you are a huge pain in the ass.  I shouldn’t really refer to him as Jesse, however, because  he was "offended" when Sen. Coleman referred to him as "Jesse" rather than "governor."

"I think people within the business should refer to me with the proper respect. The point is I was the governor, and I would expect them to give me the proper title."  (which would be ex-Governor Goofball, because that’s what EVERYONE in Minnesota calls you Jesse).

Now, ex-Governor Goofball apparently has been popping up in the media quite frequently as of late spouting off his brand of crazy to anyone who’ll listen including some wine magazine where he first started hinting at running for office.  He’s been on a tour promoting his new book (buy mah book!), and I guess since no one noticed or cared, he started rambling on about throwing his feather boa into the political ring.  Jesse apparently wants to start a revolution (and we shouldn’t start one without him.  Buy mah book!), and he’ll begin by starting it in his own backyard here in Minnesota. 

Jesse thinks that voters should be offered the choice of “none of the above” on election ballots.  Okay, idiot boy, let’s just say per adventure that everyone in the state chooses that option…or a percentage of Minnesotans choose that option so that “none of the above” wins an election.  Who runs that particular office then you big turd burger?  Do we take turns?  Do we have celebrity stand-ins?  What the hell is your point with “none of the above” on an election ballot.  God, body glitter has rotted his brain.

Jesse hates the press a lot, a lot, a lot which is why if he runs which he’s not telling us, but (buy mah book!) he has suggested term limits on…REPORTERS!  What?  Okay, listen you wing-nut, if you are an elected official, we, the general public, have a right to ask you to explain yourself and let us know what’s going on.  We have this little thing we call…”the news.”  There are these people who will go around and talk to people and then go back and either film it and put it on the magic box for us to see or for us fancy learnin’ types, will write it all down and put it in a newspaper for us to read.  Those people that do that are called …”reporters.”  You can’t limit their terms idiot.  It just doesn’t make sense to me at all.

Oh wait.  It gets better.

“If the people are lemmings and don't give a damn, why should I? You know, I got another life to lead. I don't have to do this. You know, that is the dilemma I face. Do I want to leave the life I am leading now to change it and go do this?"

First of all, don’t insult the people who may vote for you.  Second, I don’t give a damn either.  Lead your other life and please leave us alone.  Go chase kids off your lawn with your massive muscle-y arm guns and yell how you were a Navy Seal, only not really. 

I do believe here in the great state of Minnesota that we mean well.  We are intelligent in this state and cultured somewhat.  We’re more than just Prince (although you couldn’t pry that little purple talent ball out of this state with a crowbar.  He really, really loves it here.  He works here.  He lives here year round, and I swear to God not too long ago, he even had a garage sale at his purple mansion.  Trufax).  I just think that sometimes we get distracted by shiny things…

           Buy mah book Mr. T!

By pretty things…

Oh hai James Woods.  No?  Eric Roberts?  No?  Oh, hai Senator Coleman.

And by silly things…

     Seriously? 

So, start hurling your insults at us now. 

Sources Cited:

http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/24195449.html?location_refer=Most%20Viewed:U.S.%20Senate

http://www.slate.com/id/2194926/

http://www.wilshireandwashington.com/2008/07/a-new-hurdle-fo.html

http://www.jsonline.com/watch/?watch=1&date=7/4/2008&id=42665

It's ironic, isn't it?  Please don't ever rationalize violence as a means for ANYTHING...I literally found out just minutes ago that my cousin's son is the 25-year-old man mentioned in the above referenced newspaper article...this is the 7th family member I've lost by this...Even more ironic, his father was also a victim of gang/gun violence...

I shall now discontinue reading all of the commentary rationalizing a certain pop star's reaction to being called a horrific name...I think I have the right to say...you're wrong.

So, hello everyone.  I don't think I've been on for awhile.  No worries.  I have no earth-shattering news or conflicts to report.  I'm just enjoying summer for the moment.  I won't say, either, that I spend too much time on here and needed to go out and enjoy life and the real world.  On the contrary, I don't think I spend enough time on here : )  I miss it...ALOT!  However, when you live in the arctic tundra that is Minnesota, you need to take advantage of the 3, perhaps 3-1/2 months if we're really lucky to enjoy summer.  So, I've been watching Frisbee dogs and racing wiener dogs, parades and outdoor concerts, eating carnival food and cotton candy, and happily melting in the sun...AND...getting to spend time with these guys...

Happy pre-teen...............Moody camera-shy teen                                       Bewildered toddler

I've missed you guys and can't wait to get back to see all your stuffs and finally respond to all your kind notes and messages (sorry it's taken me awhile : (  )...and everything else fun that is Buzznet.  I should be on pretty regularly I hope until Friday.  I'll be gone again for a spell during the 4th of July holiday...so, I'll talk to you guys very, very soon; and in the meantime...sit on the curb and watch a parade : )   And by the way....how are your summers going?  Done anything fun or interesting?  I'll be going to Valleyfair Amusement Park soon and hope to conquer my fear of one ride in particular...it should be epic! : )

I live in the Midwest, specifically, I live in the southeastern corner of the GREAT state of Minnesota.  Directly to our south is the state of Iowa.  We make fun of them a lot, as we make fun of Wisconsin.  It's all in good fun.  My best friend is from Iowa, a lot of people I work with commute up to Rochester from Iowa and work at Mayo Clinic.  Yeah, so, all in all despite many miles of rolling fields of corn...Iowa is pretty chill; and they did give us the band Slipknot, yes? 

Anyway, this unassuming, quiet little Midwestern state is in a world of hurt right now.  Granted, their flooding is not on the scale of Katrina...but, it's pretty bad.  As of now, these are the counties that have been declared disaster areas by the President...

And, these are the counties that have been declared disaster areas by the Governor...

So, yeah, that's pretty much the entire state that's under water or in danger of being under water or so decimated by floods that their homes or the places they've called home are uninhabitable...

So, I went to read Yahoo this afternoon for some random reason, and I catch this article...

Best Cities to Live, Work and Play...

and here's the link...http://finance.yahoo.com/real-estate/article/105190/Best-Cities-to-Live,-Work-and-Play

Essentially, it lists Des Moines, Iowa, as the No. 9 best city to live, work, and play.  Now, that's all well and fine; but, they are under water right now.  The city is in a county that has been declared a disaster area by the President.  I'm not going to fault kiplinger.com from where Yahoo sourced the article (as the article was dated June 4, 2008, before the major flooding occurred); however, Yahoo take some responsibility for what you're posting.  You couldn't find a different list to put up in your Finance section taking into consideration that Des Moines, Iowa, is dealing with devastating flooding right now?  Did the editor double check the articles going up today?  Come on!  Do you know how tragic it is to read the tag line for this article "These ten great places will only get better,"   realizing what is happening right now?  Wake up and do your damn jobs Yahoo and stop riding around on your sequeways being trendy hipsters.  (And, I apologize in advance if anyone reading this actually works for or knows someone who works for Yahoo and I've just overgeneralized and lumped them into a group...I just have a serious angry right now stumbling upon this article.  And, maybe I'm wrong...)

Why Complain

This lamentable life
To deplore the
Sanctuary of what has become
Living past recollections
And craving the desire
Of trying to do it again

Living past tense
And forgetting present benevolence,
keepsakes, offerings, and affections
Living with a shroud of causticity
Letting all that would be splendor
Melt into a reservoir of reproach and sorrow

To unmask the lamentation and compunction
Equal to let go the deficiency of former
To just paint the bygone and obsolete
Awash in newly found shades of greens and blues
As effortless an undertaking never knew
To just be awash in greens and blues

9 a.m. on a Saturday morning.  ***severe thunderstorm warning***

Father

As small as you are
You learn to hold it in
As young as you are
You learn to hold it in

You never cry
You learn to hold it in
You never ask
You learn to hold it in

You want your mom
You learn to hold it in
You want you dad
You learn to hold it in

You grow to adult
You learn to hold it in
You make your peace
You learn to hold it in

Birthdays, holidays come and go
You learn to hold it in
Phone calls, letters never come
You learn to hold it in

Illness, sickness overtake
You learn to hold it in
You want to cry, scream, and yell
You learn to hold it in

A phone call comes, late at night
You learn to hold it in
You never had a chance to say
You learn to hold it in

3 p.m. on a weekday in June.  ***quarter- to golf-ball sized hail and a half-hour long hail storm***

Holistic Infant

The best advice I had ever gotten
Was from a toddler all of three
Who asked me if my brain was broken
And when I laughed and said maybe
He offered me a glass of water

1 p.m. on a Saturday afternoon in June.  ***tornado watches and then warnings***

Awhile ago, I made a poll for the Buzznet Movie World group regarding what movies you were excited about seeing this upcoming summer movie season. 

 I am so sorry Will Smith.  So, here’s the deal.  Sometimes, I drift off into dream world and imagine that celebrities actually read blogs written by your average American lay about.  Furthermore, I imagine that said celebrities actually read MY blogs.  Sometimes, little bits of actual reality permeate this dream world and begin to make me wonder if my little fantasies are not actually true fact, yo.  Case in point…I slagged on Will Smith in my poll.  Not too badly, but I said he has flashes of brilliance and then tanks.  So, I watch the MTV movie awards and here is what Will Smith says in his acceptance speech, “I haven’t always made great movies, but I’ve been tryin’ really hard.”  Why would he say that while accepting an MTV movie award for best male performance in “I Am Legend?”  Well, in my fantasy world, he said that because he read my blog, and he felt bad that I criticized him and didn’t recognize the effort he puts in to each of the movies he makes.  So, I personally apologize to you Will Smith.  If you’re reading this, I am sorry, and I am stoked to see Hancock.  You are an engaging actor that if you weren’t great…why does the summer movie box office number success or failure depend on whether or not you’ll be doing a summer movie?  I love you Will Smith. America loves you.  I sincerely apologize for the uncalled for bitchiness.

On that note, I also mentioned in that poll my dislike for Mike Meyers at the moment.  Specifically, I said, “Mike Myers is so annoying. He keeps using the same Wayne character for every dumb film he makes.”  So, what does he do on the MTV movie awards?  He brings out the Wayne character.  So, I guess Mike Meyers read my blog poll as well, but he didn’t take the criticism as well as Will Smith did.  So, if you’re reading this Mike, I still hate you and your dumb movies; and resurrecting Wayne and Garth was so unfunny.  However, your Australian caterer character was absolutely freakin’ hilarious.  Please do more of that!  That was genius!

Because, I demand you do...

1.  Suspiria (1977, directed by Dario Argento)

Dario Argento is the Italian film director (producer, screenwriter) responsible for this little piece of horror heaven.  To the many rabid horror fans like myself, Dario Argento is to us like Gerard Way is to obsessed teeny music fans (a god, duh…I guess they call us "Argentophiles").  Noted most particularly for his work in the subgenre of giallo (look it up…it would take way too long for me to explain it here) and, most importantly, in horror; he has also been a huge influence on the modern horror movie and slasher flick.  Look at it this way, we all know of the horror movie classic “Halloween,” correct?  Well, John Carpenter the director of Halloween was heavily influenced by Dario Argento (as well George Romero with whom Argento collaborated with on “Dawn of the Dead”).  His most well known (and probably his best piece of work in mine as well as thousands of other horror movie aficionados) is the 1977 movie Suspiria.  It’s about the supernatural.  It’s pretty violent.  It is, without a doubt, a visual work of art.  Who said horror couldn’t be artistic has never seen this movie.  Try not to concentrate too hard on plot and character (as those are secondary, almost afterthoughts)…the ecstasy is in the sound and vision.  Truly, this man is my one true inspiration. 

2.  Last House on the Left (1972, directed by Wes Craven)

Okay, so bear with me on this one and just as a disclaimer if you do decide to watch this film…this is a shockingly brutal and nasty little movie written and directed by Wes Craven ("Scream", "Nightmare on Elm Street") and produced by Sean Cunningham (who went on to develop the "Friday the 13^th" franchise).  This film was banned in the UK (and other countries I believe) for a very long time (and only recently released in the UK market uncut.  I think as of two months ago).  It was touted as one of the most terrifying movies of the time.  Yes, there are sadistic and horribly disturbing rape scenes in this movie, as well the actions enacted by one of the victim’s parents being amazingly horrifying; however, I believe that at the time, Craven was making a statement with regard to the atrocities that were committed (allegedly) during the Vietnam War, and you have to keep the context of the time this film was made in mind when viewing this film, connecting the political statements, and the look of the film as well.  Additionally, I believe it brought to horror the film idea of “realistic” violence.  This in part has to do with the almost nonexistent special effects or heavy editing done in this film.  The bareness of the film lends itself to seeming much more real and much more terrifying.  As I have heard before from many reviewers, it is a very uncomfortable film to watch.  I’m not sure if it is just the reputation the precedes this movie that makes it a must watch for horror movie fans and really the movie is no more than just exploitative gore or if this marked the beginning of a new genre of realistic horror with particular attention paid to the making of films later on such as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre most notably and The Hills Have Eyes and then films such as The Devil’s Rejects and even Wrong Turn.  As for the seemingly novice filming effect to give that realistic feeling (or what I like to call “am-cam” filming, short for amateur camera filming) that this film provided, I believe we saw this used to marketable success with the Blair Witch Project and even recently in the film Cloverfield.  Again, I leave the disclaimer of this being an extremely graphic and disturbing film…watch at your own discretion.

3.  The Devil’s Backbone (El Espinazo del Diablo, 2001, directed by Guillermo del Toro)

It still amazes me to this day that this is one of the few movies, and horror at that, that has made me cry uncontrollably and for a long period of time after watching it.  First of all, let me list a few of the many things that make this my third favorite horror movie of all time:  (1) the reference to Argento’s film “Deep Red”, (2) the influence leading to the imagery of Luis Bunuel and Freud, (3) the fact that (and I did not realize this until I read this recently) all of the primary protagonists in the film have names that begin with the letter “c,” and all of the primary antagonists in the film have names that begin with the letter “j.”  This is definitely one of the best ghost stories ever, ever told and done for the big screen.  And, I demand that you find it, rent it, and watch it now!  For those of you who loved “Pan’s Labyrinth”, you certainly will love “The Devil’s Backbone” (if you haven’t seen it already).  In addition to being eye candy for the cinematography buff in us all (well, for me anyway) and allowing Del Toro to weave his lush and poignant story, the acting is remarkable, the tension, the juxtaposition of affection and reverence with dread and downfall…man, there is not enough I can say about this movie that would do it any kind of justice and that hasn’t been said already by the many who have been spellbound by this hauntingly beautiful story.  It is exquisitely splendid and yet so melancholy…lovely and frightful.  I have simply come to adore all of Del Toro’s work from Cronos to Pan’s and even Hellboy (and if you throw Blade II in my face, I’ll personally punch you in the neck).  His compassion combined with his visionary ideas is truly inspiring.  Now, go watch this movie!

4.  Rawhead Rex (1987, directed by George Pavlou, written by Clive Barker)

Okay, now for some lighter fare.  I still don’t know why this movie creeps me out.  If someone were to ask me, “What do you think of this movie?”   I’d say, “Well, it’s kind of goofy and corny.”  However, there’s something about this movie that I really love.  Sometimes, I think it has to do with my loyalty to Clive Barker (he of the “Hellraiser” movies and the ‘Books of Blood’).  I’m a groupie fan of Clive’s and even had the opportunity to ask him a question when he was a guest on a radio program here in the States called “Loveline” (don’t ask me what I asked…I think I just was being a fangirl..”OMG…I love you so much.  I loved Hellraiser.  OMG, I can’t believe I’m talking to you.”  Yeah, I think it went something like that).  The monster in this movie, however, is pretty epic.  Quite the scary beast they cooked up for a 1987 cheesy horror film; and there are some pretty heart-pounding monster chase scenes that still give me the creeps, especially being in a motor home in the woods (gasp).  So, I include this film on my list, because the monster scared me! 

5.  Evil Dead II (1987, directed by Sam Raimi)

This movie is fantastically stupid, which is why I love it so much.  It is so over-the-top violence mixed with goofy Bruce Campbell pulling faces that you can’t help but enjoy this movie to bits.  It makes no sense whatsoever, is corny beyond belief, and has the greatest evil dead monsters imaginable (my nephew when he was a wee one, about 9 or 10, called them the ‘oatmeal monsters’).  It is a brilliant satire on horror movies in general done with a bit of an homage to the genre in general (and not like the craptastic failure that is “Scary Movie”).  The one-liners alone are enough to make this movie memorable (I still like to say, “I’ll swallow your soul,” just for the LOLs).  A gem this movie is…putting the fun back in horror!

“Someone's in my fruit cellar!  Someone with a fresh soul."

“You bastards give me my hand back.”

"Groovy.”

Excited ramblings from the horror movie junkie:

***Dario Argento has just completed the third movie in his “Three Mothers” trilogy, “The Mother of Tears “(La Terza Madre), and it will be coming to my town on June 20 (in limited release) of which that date I have marked on my calendar and circled numerous times for emphasis with red magic marker.

***”Last House On the Left” is currently being remade with Dennis Iliadis directing.  Wes Craven and Sean Cunningham are producing.  Why do I have the feeling that this remake (along with the likes of directors such as Eli Roth) is going to have people looking on horror directors with the same disdain and lack of respect they look upon porn directors with?  I really, really wish Hollywood would get some new ideas.

***For those of you Lord of the Rings fans, if you hadn’t heard already, Guillermo Del Toro is set to direct “The Hobbit.”  The director (and perhaps not exactly the story) is enough to draw me into the theater on the day the film is released.

***Enough buzz from my horror movie buddies to get me really excited about a movie release (although Clive Barker alone is enough to do that) regarding Clive Barker’s next film, “The Midnight Meat Train.”  Okay, so here’s the issue.  The film is set for limited release on July 11 which is also around the release time of Del Toro’s “Hellboy II:  The Golden Army, “ (hmmm, decisions, decisions; but I’ll just see them both anyway).  This film is based upon one of the short stories from Barker’s “Books of Blood;” so, even though I know what the story is about kind of, I’m still a little excited to see it in movie form and if it plays the same way on the big screen as it did in my head. 

“Egocentric malaise…

Esoteric, cosmetic, polemic…”  Totally stolen Wire style, by the way.  Not my words, but listen to the Wire.  He knows (well about 50% of the time). 

Yeah, so, I’m not into drama, either for realz or online, especially online.  I’m not going to philosophize here either…’cos Nicky’s (Nicky Wire that is) said it all well enough for me; because we all have egocentric malaise---and, if you’re sitting back right now thinking, “Ha.  Not me.  I’m creative and unique and an individual and blah, blah, blah,” well you have it so bad you’re delusional as well.

But, that’s not even the worst part.  The worst part is the “I’m not into the drama,” as I were, as I am.   The, “I really could give a flying fuck about who said what to whom and all the crap that follows.”  Because, that’s apathetic, and apathy sits back and takes it all in and still feels…NOTHING.  Yup.  Still got the “whatevers,” right now.

It carries over and permeates and stinks up everything; and people you think you love and care about…who loved your laid back, mellow attitude begin to wonder after awhile if you give a shit about whether they ever come or go.  They call, they text, they call and all to “Ho. Hum. Whatever.”

Then they just think you’re some weirdo isolative.  Then, you get mad because of that, but not in a good way, in a ‘the cops are here now’ way.

And, after all is said and done, and now what you actually feel is bad…you just climb deeper in.  Nietzsche once said,

"He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you."

I’ve met my monster and as much as I want him to climb back down into  his hole…I keep inviting him back up…and he quite likes the sunlight, TV, humming electronics.  So, guess I’ll be by myself for a lot longer than I thought.

All the drama, all the egocentric malaise…understand it’s the cure for apathy and the fatality is the mundane. 

So, keep being real and vibrant and live with that egocentric sickness…’cos at least you feel something; but remember to keep your monsters at bay…know they live there but never invite them up for a spot of tea because when you start to stare at him for too long and know him----he’ll just eventually kill you.

Okay...so, yeah, whatever...wish I could get excited over something...later 

Here’s the deal.  Have you ever gone into the grocery store and your in a hurry and you get in line and the lines are pretty well equal, but you figure this person ahead of you looks pretty together, so you chose that line and just when you’ve made that commitment, the other line starts moving faster, much faster because that put together person (or so you thought) picked the only loaf of bread in the whole damn store that doesn’t have a price sticker on it.  Oh, okay.  Here we go.  Let’s make a goddamn production over the price of a loaf of bread.  You can’t switch up now either, because out of nowhere, a dozen people materialized out of nowhere in the faster moving line.  If it were me, I’d just say, “fuck it.”  And, I totally would swear. 

Anyway, I grew up in Milwaukee.  I’m a transplant to Minnesota…a stump jumper.  Really, it’s the best decision my family ever made.  No offense to my Milwaukee brethren.  I still go back.  I still have a bunch of family living in Milwaukee, but really.  I’ve anxiously waited since February for the Coen brothers to begin shooting their next film here this summer.  I was anxiously waiting to try out for a part as an extra or maybe even audition for a small bit talkie part; and now, they’re thinking of shooting in Milwaukee?  The minute I set up shop in Minnesota (where, by the way, the state where NOTHING is allowed) and absolutely fall in love with this state despite being buried under snow for six months out of the year, all the good shit starts happening in Milwaukee.  Once again, I’ve chosen the wrong line at the grocery store, metaphorically speaking. 

Now, don’t get me wrong.  I like Milwaukee.  I was raised there when I was a wee one.  I still have a favorite aunt and a bazillion cousins that still live in Milwaukee.  I don’t mind visiting, even though they live in an area where that pop, pop, pop I hear is not a car backfiring or firecrackers (as it is where I live now) but actual gunfire.  Oh well.  I do love Muskego…my grandmother lived there.  Racine, however, also scares me--too many random dead bodies showing up in fields.  But, seriously, they decide to do a movie based loosely, I’m assuming, on their lives growing up in St. Louis Park and scout locations in Milwaukee?  St. Louis Park---pretty, pretty.  Milwaukee…not so much.  And, really, Wisconsin has spent the past several months with Johnny Depp.  He’s filming right now around Mad City (Madison).  He may still well be there (I should totally spend my birthday going over there to see if I can find Johnny, because my birthday this year is a holiday).  Give your Minnesota neighbors a little piece of the action Wisconsin.  You had Brett Favre and the super bowl Packers.  What do we get?  Drunken Vikings.  You guys get fireworks!  We get freakin’ sparklers.  You have a Great Lake.  We have the Missi-sloppy-ssippi river.  You have Miller Park.  We’re still working that out here.  Anyway, the following article the appeared in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune sums up the problem pretty succinctly…money.  You gotta pay to play here in Minnesota, and we won’t back down ‘cos we’re bastards that don’t allow ANYTHING!  Nothing has been finalized yet…so, I’m still crossing my fingers. 

If you're curious, you can click this link to read the full story from the Star Tribune here in Minneapolis/St. Paul. http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/18498089.html

Still Can’t Get Over It

Languishing thoughts of better and best, and the debacle

Of the race to get better; and the worry of never

Living up to expectations that were set

So low anyhow; and the worry of a place to sleep, and

Something to eat, and a hobby to entertain.  The soft hum of a radio

Tuned to a station not worth listening to, happy banter about a new

Release that sings of love, and joy, and nonsense; things not to care for

When it’s raining, and it’s cold, and there’s a low that seems so cruel

But so expected and deserved.  And when the sun does shine,

It’s a lie and mocking; because it still is frozen on the inside,

And no amount of sing-song, sunshine yellow will thaw ahead--

Set on destruction.

-LeaV

*submitted* @2008 I All Rights Reserved

THE GUITARS!

(AKA..."This is a public service announcement...with guitars!")

I am fixated on the sound of a guitar.  And not just shredding solos or soothing melodies, but the whole dynamic of the chording, the finger picking, the tone, the timbre.  A guitar player can make or break my love affair with a band...hence, the continued, unabashed adoration of Queen and, of course, Brian May.  So, these songs on my playlist really relate to the guitars. 

1.  "Bring on the Night" by the Police.  Andy Summers, for those of you not familiar, was the guitarist for the Police.  I won't eschew his impressive background (by the way...did you all know he's 65 years old).  I will say that I love the tinny, aluminum sound of his guitar on this track.  I love his use of effects to get that "silver" sound, as I like to call it.  I love that he customized the hell out of, I believe, his Telecaster to get this space-aged, dreamy-like crunch.  Plus, listen to the rhythm of the song.  That's finger picking at its finest, although I do believe he uses a pick. 

2.  "Thunderhorse" by Dethklok.  Okay, this is a cartoon (Metalocalypse) on Adult Swim that amuses me to no end.  However, when I first started watching (and I've been around since the original episode), I noticed that the music in the cartoon was actually pretty good.  I was embarrassed to admit it; but, they've released an album (well, not Dethklok but the creator behind the band Dethklok Brendon Small who also does all the music and guitar playing) and are touring again!  Phew, I wasn't the only one who liked it.  You have to admit, it's pretty melodic.  Check out the bridge.  That really is sweet.  I want to learn how to play that and be all metal and brutal!

3.  "White Queen" by Queen.  This beautiful ballad was off Queen's second album, aptly titled "Queen II."  It is such a romantic, renaissance, as close to a love poem as you can get type of song.  However, it's the guitar that hooks me.  It's so unobtrusive and quiet, as an accompaniment to an impassioned plea; and yet, it comes in strongly as if echoing the heartache of the melody.  Listen to the solo...(which I believe may be a sitar) and then the lead into the chorus with the guitar...the guitars almost sound as if they are crying and then triumphantly announce defeat.  Okay, I'll admit, I've spent most of my life analyzing every possible bit of music Queen ever did.

THE MEMORIES

I associate a lot of random, albeit important memories with a song.  I think that's self-explanatory. 

1.  "Reach Out" by the Four Tops.  My parents divorced when I was very young.  I wasn't very close to my mom, even though I lived with her.  I missed my dad, even though I didn't spend much time with him when he was around.  Anyhow, I still like listening to this song, because it reminds me of the excitement I had as a kid getting to spend time with my dad when he was around.  Driving around with him with the radio on to an oldies R&B station and going out to eat at George Webb's (everyone from Wisconsin...ya' love their cheeseburgers, right?) or to Coney Island for hot dogs (it's a fast food place in Wisconsin).  My dad wouldn't even get upset with me when I wanted mayonnaise on my hot dog instead of ketchup.  When this song would come on, my dad would sing it to me; adding his own words in of course ("Reach out, mija.  Just ask, and I'll be there").  I loved those times and that's why I still love this song.

2.  "Plush" by Stone Temple Pilots.  I couldn't get enough of this band when I was younger; but it also reminds me of the start of something bad.  I like to listen to it to remind me of where I came from emotionally and just how far I've come.  So, it can be construed as my "you did okay," song.

3.  "Wild World" by Cat Stevens (now, Yusuf Islam).  Like the Four Tops remind me of my dad, Cat Stevens reminds me of my mom.  She used to play a lot of Cat Stevens and Linda Ronstadt and Richie Havens.  I mostly remember her putting on albums on a Saturday afternoon and doing her sewing projects.  It was calm and peaceful, and I like to remember things that way.

JUST BECAUSE I'M A FAN AT THE MOMENT

1.  All of the songs by the band HIM.  They are my band at the moment. So, bombarding my playlist with HIM songs really doesn't need explaining, right?  But, I do love when they put their spin on covers.  HIM got their foot in the door, so to speak, with their cover of Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game," but they also do a pretty neat cover of Neil Diamond's "Solitary Man," serving it up Finland rock style.

2.  "Clubbed to Death."  The Matrix is one of my favorite movies.  It's the only other movie besides the "Road Warrior" where I know every single line of dialog and will repeat them annoyingly (accents included) when watching.  I liked this part of the movie, as well, where this song is playing.  It's when Morpheus is teaching Neo what he needs to do, and they go into the Matrix, talk some obscure philosophical stuff, Neo gets distracted by a girl, and finds out the Matrix is a tricky bastard, as it was Agent Smith. 

3.  "Go All the Way" by the Raspberries.  Am I a fan of the Raspberries?  No, I'm a fan of singing loudly to old 70s songs.  This happens to be my favorite right now (prior to that it was anything by the band Sweet).  I love to sing the chorus of this song, because I can copy that high falsetto...and that pleases me.

I CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT EITHER

Songs I just like.  I have no reason why.  They just get under my skin and into my bloodstream and infect my cells and eventually kill my reasoning as to why I liked these songs to begin with.  You figure it out...I can't.

1.  "Rock Lobster" by the B-52s.  This song makes perfect sense to me, hmmm.

2.  "Caught in a Mosh" by Anthrax.  For my need for speed.

3.  "Low Rider" by War.  Keepin' it real, yo! 

4.  "Turning Japanese" by the Vapors.  For the potty humor giggle factor.

And finally, my extremely special song that I've finally put on my playlist, and it will stay there until I leave...

"Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley.  The only song that no matter what mood I'm in will instantly make me start crying.  It will make me cry, because I'm happy and hopeful.  It will make me cry, because I'm down and hopeful.  It will make me cry, because I miss what more Bob Marley could have given the world.  It will make me cry, because it's such an honest, true statement of a song.  I never listen to this song in the presence of other people, by the way, because I never, ever like to let other people see me cry. 

So, what's on your playlist and, uh, why?  Later gators!

Today, Mayo Clinic here in Rochester once again had the opportunity to host the Dalai Lama as the guest speaker for Mind and Life XVI:  Investigating the Mind-Body Connection (Mind Life Institute).  Now, just for a little background...The Mind Life Institute "...is an independent, not-for-profit organization devoted to establishing a mutually respectful working collaboration and research partnerships between modern science and Buddhism - two of the world's most fruitful traditions for understanding the nature of reality and promoting human well-being."  This was taken directly from their website (http://www.mindandlife.org/).

Now, just a few quick observations before I'm off...First of all, if you're wondering why The Mind Life Institute would be working in conjunction with a clinic/hospital in the remote southeastern corner of Minnesota...well, because it is THE Mayo Clinic.  Secondly, believe it or not, Minnesota has the second largest Tibetan community in the entire United States.  Go figure, hey? 

As for the Dalai Lama...well, I didn't get to see him speak.  There was a lottery for passes to get to see him, and I didn't win any.  Shucks.  However, I heard two great things from the Dalai Lama from his speech today.  He first mentioned when addressing the audience words to the effect of he only came here for his annual physical exam (ha. ha.  The Dalai Lama made a funny); but this piece of wisdom from the Dalai Lama I share and I leave to all of you...

"If you can do it, don't worry about it.  If you can't do it, don't worry about it." 

I love that, and it has officially become my new mantra.  Later gators!

So, this is the time I need to "unplug", so to speak, for awhile.  I'm in search of a part-time job to fund my summer shenanigans and will need to concentrate on that wholeheartedly this week, as I hope to secure something and begin working by April 21 (yeah, I'm a bit of a go-getter).  It's just that it is quite an intensive process securing this part-time job as I have a lot of hoops to jump through to prove my worthiness.  So, I may not be quite as active this week (boo!), because the job hunt takes a lot of time. 

Other than that, I watched the movie "Bug" this weekend, the one that starred Ashley Judd.  The funny thing is that I am a horror movie pro.  I can watch anything, and all I do is analyze plot, filming, characters, situation.  I did that with this movie, of course, although it wasn't really a horror movie so to speak.  There was a glaring flaw in this situation between the two main characters that I couldn't get past; but despite all that, I had a bad dream that night after watching this movie.  Can you believe that?  I dreamt that I lost every single tooth in my head and not in a pleasant way either.

And lastly (sadly), Peanut will have company as well in "rattie Heaven," as my other rat Squeak passed away this evening.  It was expected considering she was also very old and had a tumor under her leg...just I didn't expect it this quickly.  I have a very heavy heart this evening, but I'm just thinking that she needed to go and soon as her and Peanut have never been apart.  Thinking that way makes me feel better about her passing.  She was in my lap from the moment I noticed her acting strangely this evening until she finally took her last breath.  I'm not going to have any more rats for awhile...not saying never, just I need some time.

I'll see you all off and on this week everyone...just not as much as I like, blah! 

Hahahaha...Gotcha!  So, you see, I was going to do a blog today...something along the lines of how I wish American Idol could "give back" to me the two hours or so of my life I wasted watching that show last night.  Seriously, I really, really, really hate Fergie now; and judging by the look on Ann Wilson's face during Heart's performance of "Barracuda" along with Fergie (stinking everything up)...I think I can safely say that Ann hates Fergie too.  But, I wanted to feed you with enriching word nourishment and fill your bellies with the wisdom of the rant...but, I'm afraid that the hoopla surrounding the engagement of Pete and Ashlee would overshadow any of the creamy goodness I could give you in terms of my own words of wisdom.  Do I have an opinion on their engagement?  Nah.  As a matter of fact, one of my nephews is a big Fall Out Boy fan; so, being the good auntie that I am, I bought him front and center floor tickets for their concert here last year.  As the day of the concert drew closer, I started having panic attacks about having to go.  I seriously didn't think I would be able to make it through the entire concert.  Oh, I'm not hatin' on anyone who likes Fall Out Boy or on Fall Out Boy in general.  That's cool if you like them, really!  It's just I personally couldn't fathom the possibility of having to endure this entire concert without the overwhelming desire of wanting to jab my keys into my ear holes just to make myself deaf.  It's just me.  I don't like their music.  But, I still like you if you like their music : )  Okay, just so we're clear on that.  So, I talked my sister into taking him.  She's a trooper.  She doesn't like Fall Out Boy, either.  This is more her speed....

My sister's concert pic of the Killers (don't loot).  She had to go by herself.  Yup, I started having the same panic attacks about this show when she asked me to go with her.  I'm not as hearty as she is.  When exposed to things I don't like, I have these uncontrollable impulses to try to hurt myself to escape.  I think that's why the Saw movies wouldn't work on me.  If I'd be willing to self-mutilate my ear holes to avoid listening to music I don't like, I totally could saw a leg off to escape a serial killer.  Totally.

 
This is my nephew's very own picture of the Fall Out Boy concert (don't loot).  He's really proud of it.  This was his first ever concert.  I'm glad my sister could enjoy the experience with him (and not me, phew).

This is more my speed...HIM (Ville Valo) performing at the Myth nightclub (my pic..so, please don't loot, k?  Thnxbai).

So, yeah...let's recap. 

1.  I totally got out of taking my nephew to see Fall Out Boy, and I don't feel guilty about it one bit.   Besides, who was the one that had to take all the little kids to all the damn Pokémon movies, huh?  Yeah, I did.  And every time I'd try to catch a little sleepy during the movie, I'd have the kids poking me and telling me, "Wake up.  You're missing the movie."  Duh, that was the point but oh well.

2.  I've postponed my blog today because of Pete and Ashlee's engagement.  ***EDIT*** I've postponed my blog today, because nobody will care what I have to say no matter how sublime or profound, because they're all like OMG about Pete and Ashlee's engagement.  For the record if you failed to read this at all...I REALLY DON'T CARE THEY GOT ENGAGED!  Thank you!

I'm off now to go to the doctor.  I've nailed my persistent cough down to a few things...a bad cold that has now morphed into bronchitis (which will need antibiotics, unfortunately) or TB...so, figured I'd go get checked out.  BRB : )

If you must know...I have a very serious obsession with "stuff."  Not serious stuff, mind you, but fun stuff.  So, like any idiot with an internet connection and a serious lack of funds to invest in more "fun stuff," I play online games and sweepstakes.  It seriously is a very time-consuming and laborious habit, but a labor of love I must say.  I keep playing because of the intermittent reinforcement I receive from investing my precious time into this endeavor.  For example, this just came in the mail today from a win I had about three months ago, and I'm over the moon with happiness...check me out...

OMG...A SHREK FUN PACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SQUEAL!!!!!!!!!

Here's the insulated Shrek lunch bag close up.  I am so totally going to use this forever!!!

A glow spoon.  Yeah...glow spoon!  Plus, a Shrek necklace.  Breakfast is going to seriously rock now.

This is the Pièce de résistance...A Shrek-Spert T-shirt.  I'm going to wear this thing all the time, although it could kind of be taken as a little naughty, or is that just me?

I've won a bunch of cool stuff, which is why the reinforcement is intermittent.  I get a cool win like this or the prize package I won from Zatarain's, and believe me, if you love food as much as I do, this was an awesome win.  I've won a lot of gas cards and gift cards, music downloads and what not; but I've had a dry spell recently and am playing with gusto again to get another fix of win.  This could explain my sporadic presence on Buzznet lately...that and the fact that I'm in the market for another part-time job and looking intently right now.  So...just thought I'd share.  Later gators : )

I've been called a lot of things...and to be honest, nothing really bothers me that much.  Don't get me wrong, being called a rude thing by someone is not a pleasant experience.  Most of the time, I just recite that nursery rhyme in my head..."sticks and stones..." and all.  I can't say I'm mellow or laid back either.  I'm a pretty hyperactive, moody, verbose, loud, and annoying person.  Soooo, if someone calls me a name...I'll counter with something back.  I'm guaranteeing that.  I give full credit to my mom...who single-handedly raised three of the wildest kids ever (well, maybe just two...my little sister was pretty chill).  I've got stories, too.  Me and my sister backed up my mom's car across a busy lane of traffic and into a ditch when we were like 5 years old; and all I can remember about the whole incident is that the guy who got us out of the car and rescued us was wearing Jesus sandals.  But, my mom is fearless.  She's not afraid to speak up for herself.  It embarrassed the hell out of me when I was a teenager, of course---but now I relish it. 

So, I'm not afraid to say something to someone, despite my diminutive size.  I've learned from the master (my mom) to have a voice!  Most people are a little taken aback half expecting me to shuffle off quietly and not say anything...like a group of "scene" type kids at Wal-Mart who thought it would be hilarious to call me "short" and within ear shot of me.  First of all, spending your Friday night hassling shoppers at Wal-Mart...yeah, that's just too easy.  Secondly, all you could do is criticize my height?  Really?  I mean...it was like 1 in the morning.  I had on pajama bottoms and a black leather jacket.  I was talking to myself (come on, I was trying to remember what I needed and I figured if I kept repeating it out loud...I wouldn't forget).  There were like four or five things you could have nailed me on...like, "was the shelter full again" or "off your meds" or "did Michael Jackson dress you tonight."  But, you make fun of my height?  That's all you got?  So, when I hunted these kids down and confronted them...all they could do was laugh nervously and apologize. 

                                 Me:  Hey, did you just say something to me?

                                 Scene Kids:  What?  Ah, no, really!  We were just laughing at a joke my friend made.

                                 Me:  Yeah, I didn't think so.  Have a good night.

                                 Scene Kids:  (nervous laughter) Ah, yeah. You, too.  Sorry if, you know.

By that time, they had scampered away already.  But, I'm not about talking about taking on shit-talkers and what not.  My point is that say what you want...I'll counter and then be done with it.  It really doesn't bother me.  Call me whatever you want...I'll usually forget about it by the time I blink my eyes.  But this......this bothers me to no end.  I was called..."immature."  Really?  So, was the cut based on something I said or did in particular?  No, not really.  It was an assumption made because...my musical tastes, my television tastes, the things I like to do in my spare time, my passions.  So, because I watch Family Guy or Aqua Teen Hunger Force or Robot Chicken or South Park...I'm immature.  So, because I listen to HIM or Amon Amarth or even Dethklok...I'm immature.  So, because I choose to go to Cheese Festivals and amusement parks in the summer...I'm immature.  Because I make jokes and wear penguin pajamas and buy more hoodies and sweatshirts than I really should...I'm immature.  So, because I collect horror DVDs and think George Romero is a directorial deity...I'm immature.  Plus, how dare I set such a horrible example for the young tutelage under my adult supervision (that being my 16-year-old nephew). 

I've never been so riled up about being called something as I was with being called immature.  How dare you sit up on your high horse and judge me immature based on the fact that I don't watch educational television or read books nonstop or listen to only classical music or only watch foreign films with subtitles.  See, you've dragged me down to your level, and now I'm overgeneralizing. 

Let's just say this...not everyone agrees with everything.  Deal with it.  If I like random potty humor and Doritos...it doesn't mean I'm immature.  If that guy likes Nascar and grilled cheese...it doesn't mean he/she is a hick.  If that person likes the History Channel and jazz rock fusion...it doesn't mean he/she is necessarily high brow.  I believe that this "Peter Pan" syndrome that I have so lovingly adopted into my life keeps me young at heart and able to enjoy my life with gusto.  I'm not hurting anyone by this way of life.  I work hard, sometimes up to 12 hours a day, sometimes (most of the time) seven days a week.  I pay my taxes.  I don't break any laws.  I smile frequently.  I care about my neighborhood and community.  I vote.  I join political campaigns and do my part.  I pay my bills and take care of my house.  I take care of my nephew...that's the big thing.  I just don't feed him, do his laundry, see to it that he gets to school...I interact with him.  I'm interested in what he thinks.  Even if we're not doing something relevant and just watching cartoons, we talk.  We talk about the cartoon.  We talk about stuff that makes us laugh.  We talk about something that happened with our family that made us laugh.  We talk about how something in school made him laugh.  He talks about school.  He talks about his friends.  He talks about what he'd like to do in the future and what he's worried about.  Yeah, you see my point. 

So, don't call me immature and make the assumption that based upon my personal likes and habits that I'm too immature to be a positive influence in my nephew's life.  Don't decide for the good of the future of society that my way of being an influence in my nephew's