Tracy Chapman - Fast Car
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Posted:Apr 15, 2024 11:28 am
Last Updated:Apr 15, 2024 11:30 am 10 Views
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Universal was... fun.
At first didn't want to book the trip. Reading comments on constant sexless vacations turned me off to the notion. Then came the thought that most of my trips and vacations have been sexless. Price gauging for December and needing a break from 60hr work weeks, the decision changed. Got annual passes and booked for the end of the Mardi Gras event.
It was... fun.
Spring Break for a lot of schools and Easter for the UK. Crowded is an understatement. One look at CityWalk's entrance and a tour of Royal Pacific was calling. My mindse was different this go around; annual passes probably helped. No plan or real need this time. A Velocicoaster night ride was the only "want'. Got that after dealing with Disney Springs crowd. Good God, the Disney crowd are insufferable. They suck the fun out of everything with everything being about them. Wearing Mickey ears in Universal doesn't keep the magic alive, it kills it. You can't have the whole world, it's not yours.
Once the school groups left, families remained. Massive and foreign who didn't know anything yet seemed to run the place. Blocking traffic and delaying rides, I can't see anything other than a logistical nightmare with these groups
It was... fun.
Side note: noticed a few "hot moms"; women with strollers who looked as though on the prowl. Nothing wrong with it, being a mother isn't your whole identity, though the message is confusing. Babies and childcare are not sexy though they are products of sex. It's not my fight, simply reading what I'm seeing. Never thought theme parks were a place to score; interesting time to be alive.
No real comments on rides. Velocicoaster is still stupid and awesome. Night ride was with three lawyers. I asked if they could sue the ride since we all should've been eaten upon entering the paddock. Ended up with three rides; second ride I sang The Beatles, third I sang Kenny Loggins. Hulk is boring, Fast & Furious can only be ridden ironically (taking it seriously makes you angry). Villain-Con is "Line: The Ride" and very disorienting. Forbidden Journey is Hogwarts: The Ride. Hippogriff is a fun, family coaster. Hagrid's is Hagrid's; best ride in IOA, not worth three-hour wait. Mummy is my favorite though it's a shame there isn't more exposure. Highlight was a night ride on River Adventure; whole ride to myself. Magical is the only word for it.
It was... fun
I wore a Hawaiian shirt. Last time (and only time I can recall) was at a funeral. Under advice from a an elderly woman (who reminded me of my grandmother) I wore a blue Hawaiian shirt all the way to Margaritaville where Backstreet Boys sing-a-long was waiting. Received pleasant comments and had a spring in my step. Upon returning to reality I stuffed it in a drawer. Fiancée commented I was embarrassed. My response was this is the world of work. I maintain that belief. Fun is not allowed here. To invite fun is to invite hope and I can't handle any more false hope.
Speaking of... the one snag that has left a sour taste. We agreed to do a photo shoot during the trip; sexy outfits and I had no hope of sex; something intimate we could do together to rebuild... something. (Full context: she asked I pay for her waxing and I said for a photo shoot; she agreed. I shouldn't have because that makes intimacy transactional and put her on the spot.) Didn't happen, big surprise. Goalposts kept getting moved and I wasn't firm enough in my wants and needs. I was bummed, said so, and the conversation turned aggressive which I then proceeded to shut down. I can't share my emotions with her anymore. A week later, a switch flipped. My brain is telling me she didn't want to do the photos, and instead of saying so or offering a replacement decided to start a fight; that's a turn-off (sexual brake in Emily Nagoski terms). Silver lining is no longer seeing her in a sexual light; strictly platonic from my end now (funny that most romantic relationships end that way). All that depression, anger, resentment I've felt since returning from London in 2014 is slowly going away. I am finally on a healing path.
All in all, Universal was... fun.
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Vertical Horizon - You're a God
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Posted:Feb 22, 2024 11:06 am
Last Updated:Apr 16, 2024 12:10 am 1663 Views
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I've been trying to keep my mouth shut on this (to speak its name is to give it life), but influencers make me scream.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is a sign we won't survive. Society, I mean. Humans will keep living. H.G. Wells said so.
Let me explain this Pepe Silvia.
Frozen Empire itself is another facepalm movie. Wrong lessons were learned from Afterlife and the money must flow. Melnitz is wearing the jumpsuit.
A cosplay influencer posted a photo of Dana Barret in the jumpsuit and commenting on people's comments on her lack of elbow pads. Claims the reason for the cosplay was "something more wearable" (probably means cheaper on the makeup and less prone to sexual comments but what do I know?) Again, another facepalm yet doesn't warrant Carol in HR.
Then comes Dolly Parton's Pet Gala. Rich white people nonsense. No dogs up for adoption, no proceeds to a shelter or society aside from an Humane Society lower third graphic that appears once; seems like an after thought. The dots connect and out comes the conspiracy. Our society is soulless. And that's not some blase statement to appear aloof or sexy. It genuinely scares me how much that statement permeates the world.
Frozen Empire like many franchise films are intent on making money and cannot survive long-term. Horror films know this.
The influencer is cosplaying for the likes, not the idea. Dana would never wear the jumpsuit. Ripley would but different franchise and doesn't generate traffic. Cosplay who you want, but do it honestly.
Cosmic Rewind in Epcot does nothing aside from being cool and takes away from Epcot's theme of edu-tainment.
Velocicoaster is dumb as fuck. Its theming doesn't instill fear or anxiety but confusion which undercuts the ride. Not to mentions negates Jurassic Park, both book and movie, by putting a literal coaster in a raptor paddock. They claim it's safe. I think it should've been sued into oblivion before the ground was struck. I don't have the money to make that call. Hagrid's will survive. It's sincere.
Speaking of Harry Potter, remaking the whole series as a tv show. Why? The films are world famous with parks and exhibits across the globe. What could redoing it add to the conversation aside from constant comparison? Content for content's sake. Same argument for The Last Airbender live action series.
It's this lack of sincerity that generates the fear and I see it everywhere. Dishonest politicians and lobbyists with agendas that lead t conflict and strife. To speak the truth would deny them power.
Secret friend groups within friend groups to comment how bad the others are yet everyone is besties in public.
I see it in the selfishness of southerners. I expect them to hold a knife behind their back, ready to strike, as they pour you sweet tea with a smile on their face.
And it does no good to raise your voce when its too late.
I am one person who is old, tired and cranky. I do not wish to yell at clouds nor reminisce about "in my day". I agree with Jon Stewart that making the world a better place is a "lunch-pail-day-in-day-out thankless grind" that requires constant effort. It also requires honesty, not "only speaking the truth" but honesty in intention. Even applies in the departments of thrills and fabrics. But the shit I keep seeing is on par when I see people do the Vulcan salute who've never seen Star Trek. Anthony Hopkins from Westworld plays in my head, "It means that we're done. That this is as good as we're gonna get."
And that is why Disney World is no longer the most magical place on Earth. Magic doesn't require subscriptions.
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Queen - Queen II
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Posted:Feb 16, 2024 3:47 am
Last Updated:Feb 20, 2024 7:09 am 2224 Views
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How was your Valentine's Day?
Fun? Loveable? Get a gift, night of passion? Last minute chocolates?
Mine? Dealt with dozens of dogs (nice bruise on my ass) and dozens of dolts (last minute VD gift givers).
No gift. No declaration or show of appreciation. Received a phone call and gift card from the family. Right on par with how it was in elementary school, participation valentines.
Depressing? Yes. Ain't mad about it, though. Went in with zero expectations so no disappointment. She received a spa treatment she saw on TikTok and thought it was cool. Not a boast or call for pity; a simple fact of how we show value to the other.
It doesn't really matter. We are who we are.
Did you see Wonka? It's great; full of charm and warmth.
Not everything needs to be cynical, the world's bad enough.
Anyway...to business. Universal awaits.
Edit: Younger Brother - Train
Only one hurdle: my birthday. Fills me with dread. Not my age, that fear came and went at the turn of the decade. Not that it'll be hijacked as was last year's; the Freudian slip of saying "parades" before "birthday" all but confirms it.
No, the real fear is that nothing will happen which will cement this passive thought. Used as an aside or an occasional point of argument when it should've been the cornerstone of every decision and action over the last decade. I am not a priority, and there is no emotion attached to this thought. It is stone-cold fact.
Any anger or frustration I have is towards myself for enabling this behavior for so many moons. I can't be mad at someone for being true to themselves. "You can't take away people's right to be assholes." Simon Phoenix
I've given up sex for Lent. Masturbation has become as mechanical as brushing teeth, no joy in it anymore. I have better odds at winning the lottery or being struck by lighting than I do at being seduced or any kind of sexual activity. Therefore I need to rid myself of its power over me and start fresh. My goal for this year is to forgive myself; family curse is holding grudges so it needs to be simple otherwise it won't stick. "Then we get the khaki's, then we get the chicks." BasketBall
But first, I am getting my night ride on Velocicoaster. That ride is dumb as fuck yet the view from the top hat is unbeatable.
Movie recommendation: The Book of Clarence. Probably the most historically accurate Jesus film I've seen.
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Beautiful Death - By Still Waters
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Posted:Dec 27, 2023 3:50 am
Last Updated:Apr 16, 2024 12:10 am 2547 Views
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I'm tired and I hate myself.
Who isn't tired and filled with self-loathing? Every morning looking in the mirror, "Ah! Who are you, and why are you haunting me?"
I'm tired because I spent my free time refurnishing my living room and bedroom. Another story for another time. Long story short: my birthday gift is listening to my record player two days after Christmas. First choice: Top Gun
I hate myself because of the choices I made that led to this outcome.
Not in the "paid too much, bought wrong thing" kind of choices. The "it all started when I was a " kind of choices.
And that's my problem. And probably my new year's resolution: to forgive myself.
Plus side is trying radical acceptance. I've come to accept the dead bedroom and there's no fixing it. Whatever reason or example I can use in prosecution doesn't matter. Ultimately I am responsible for keeping this going; apparent from the beginning and didn't realize it till it was too late. So whatever decision or indecision going forward is mine to make. Either way I know I can't keep this going. I'm tired and I hate myself. And I'm too old to want to feel this way. I'd like to smile at my reflection again
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Wolfie's Just Fine - A New Beginning
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Posted:Oct 1, 2023 12:24 pm
Last Updated:Nov 2, 2023 6:10 am 4542 Views
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Halloween Marathon time.
Context: finished Bond marathon. Not a fan, lot of skiing, though I'm too deep into depression to have any valid opinions. It's a franchise that suffers from the same problems as any other only on a much longer timeline. It doesn't matter, only bills and paychecks matter.
Saw the Wes Anderson Roald Dahl shorts which were... interesting. Visually captivating though at odds with the dialogue; your attention is on one or the other, not both. Trying for both gets confusing. Warrants numerous revisits.
Full disclosure: not sure how this will develop. Existential crisis mixed with two jobs means... who knows? Anyway...shall we begin?
Stuart Little (1999) - Couldn't tell if it was set in 1999 or 1950. Wonderful production design with dated effects, though not necessarily bad. Definite precursor to Paddington. Worth a viewing if you're interested or bored.
Stuart Little 2 (2002) - "And I'm afraid in order to escape this place, you will need to suffer more"
Cobweb (2023) - Wondered how it would've worked set during Christmas. Standard horror film told effectively well; enjoyment is a matter of taste.
Talk to Me (2022) - Stylized predictability. Plug for Peter Gabriel song of same name, Secret World Live version.
Fat Man and Little Boy (1989) - Peaks at the opening titles. Not bad yet tonally dissonant.
Haunted Mansion (2023) - Can't tell if over directed or poorly written. Very much peaks and valleys. Set in New Orleans, made in Georgia. Worth a viewing though not on par with WML95's soundtrack.
The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial (2023) - Perfect film to watch with your family after Thanksgiving dinner.
Perry Mason: The Case of the Dodging Domino (1962) - Fascinating show. Each story involves some form of love or money told differently with the Transatlantic accent. Series regulars don't appear til halfway through an episode; employed over 2,000 actors during its run. Truly fascinating. Its lone Halloween episode is strange with scenes set at the beach where dialogue is muffled by the tide.
The Exorcist III (1990) - Love this movie, but hard to recommend. Very dialogue heavy so those half-watching while scrolling through TikTok will miss most of it. Not much in terms of violence or gore so the splatter crowd is out. George C Scott being the lead loses the diversity crowd. Teens will think it's boring. No spandex or explosions loses the Marvel/DC crowd. There are cameos but not related to Star Wars. Dosn't have the iconography of the first film, i.e not for the "fans". It's for everyone, but it's perfect for those frustrated and tired with no outlet. This with Seven make a great double feature.
Godzilla, King of the Monsters (1956) - After watching so much Perry Mason, this plays like an episode of Perry Mason. Hate it if you want, but it did its job.
The Ninth Configuration (1980) - Easiest statement would be to compare it to Shutter Island. While they have the same gimmick, they are not the same story. Shutter Island is more about guilt whereas this is more the typical "good vs evil" debate. Not for the casual viewer.
The Fall of the House of Usher (2023) - Very typical Netflix fare. You'll binge it in one sitting then move on. Not bad by any means though will leave no cultural impact. A true product of its time which is depressing.
Scream 2 (1997) - Worth a viewing if you have an opinion on Jada Pinkett or you're interested in Wes Craven referencing Wes Craven. Horror films, you're either rooting for the monster or the victim; here, you're not really rooting for either. You're rooting for the chorus and commentary.
Dr. Terror's House of Horrors (1965) - 60s British horror. You're either a fan or you're not. It's fine.
Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993) - I guess? The opening is great; the rest you could see anywhere else.
The Werewolf vs. The Vampire Woman (1971) - A film you watch with friends. Fine on its own.
War of the Worlds (2005) - Still maintain the last great Spielberg film is Munich.
Prey (2022) - Comparing Predator and Prey is very apples and oranges. Predator is an 80s action/slasher. Prey is more a coming of age tale. Predator 2 is a cop movie; it's its own thing. Predators is fine; avoid the others.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) - Westerns aren't my thing, yet this film deserves its legacy.
Sleeping Beauty (1959) - Next time you watch it, imagine Aurora as trophy wearing a wig. See if the movie plays any differently. Still irksome Kida is not a "Disney Princess". Bitch, she the Queen of Atlantis!
Flushed Away (2006) - It's good, not great; lot of dick jokes. A perfectly fine family film.
Clue (1985) - Essential Halloween viewing. Last Christmas went to a dinner theater production of Clue. Felt as though I was on a cruise ship. I have gotten old.
Sleepy Hollow (1999) - Halloween staple yet the muted color palette leaves the film a little cold.
Meg 2: The Trench (2023) - money bad, says the expensive shark movie; there's a perfectly ordinary English sentence.
Freddy vs Jason (2003) - Yep. Does exactly what it says on the tin.
Wallace & Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005) - Queensbury Rules!
Daredevil: Director's Cut (2003) - Early 2000s Marvel was something different.
South Park: Joining the Panderverse (2023) - I'm working on it, Sharon!
The Whole Nine Yards (1999) - "I've been around a long time. Like, a really long time. I've seen this happen so much. I can't do this every time. The pain... I deal with it in my own way." Robin, Ghosts (BBC)
Beetlejuice ( 1988 ) - That is why I won't do two shows a night anymore, babe. I won't. I won't do 'em.
Embrace of the Vampire (2013) - No.
Embrace of the Vampire (1995) - Same as any other mid-90s softcore.
Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) - Hot Topic's cash cow. Mid-life crisis presented as fairy tale. Music and animation keep it going, story just goes with it.
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Frightened Rabbit - Swim Until You Can't See Land
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Posted:Sep 6, 2023 8:25 am
Last Updated:Apr 16, 2024 12:10 am 5080 Views
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Finally went to Scotland.
Simple phrase though reality is anything but.
Almost backed out at the last second, thankfully didn't.
A blur of tours and tastings. Planes, trains, and automobiles (plus buses) across Ireland and the UK culminating in the Highland Games; Scotland's Super Bowl/County Fair.
There were hiccups. Air Traffic Control problems in London caused a delay in Dublin followed by reroute out of London. (Originally meant to travel from Heathrow to Edinburgh, changed Gatwick to Glasgow with train to Edinburgh). The Malt Disney barrel ride being closed. Industrial Service Action caused train delays to Banchory, though thanks to the delay I am now in possession of a Pedestrian Verse vinyl. Arrival back to the states resulted in lost luggage, its location still unknown. Lovely memories ending in tears.
Discoveries as well. Returned with a small jar of marmalade as reminder of all the great breakfast toast. An old fashioned with Jameson Crested was pure Aqua Vitae. Mentioned earlier, the Pedestrian Verse vinyl; acquiring it in Scotland gives it extra meaning. The search for "hairy coos" ended in a peacock sighting at a wedding reception. Discovered I'm very uncomfortable in wealthy company, and have forgotten how to flirt.
Revisited previous adventures. Staring at Vicar St, briefly becoming Dr. Manhattan. (It is 2012, I am here to see God is an Astronaut. It is 2015, I am here to see Dylan Moran. It is 2023, I am here by happenstance.) Praying at St. Patrick's Cathedral in now a tradition. Another pilgrimage to Black Books, this time not by accident. Then the new journey to the old country began.
I can still hear the hills... and the bagpipes, even though I have since returned to my reality: the chores and bills and troubles. I have not regaled any stories. Aside from a few small things (fridge magnet, small helping of marmalade, shirt, cosmetic bag and vinyl), no physical record exists of my journey. Yet I can't escape the feeling of fallout as it lingers in the air. But I don't regret it, even if I can barely remember the journey. I'll never forget feeling at home in the highland hills.
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Lauv - Steal the Show
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Posted:Aug 18, 2023 10:41 am
Last Updated:Apr 16, 2024 12:10 am 5322 Views
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Also Kenny Sasaki & The Tiki Boys - Erotica Exotica
Figured I'd share my two bits on the "sex scene discourse", the notion that sex scenes are unnecessary in film and television. It's a stupid argument.
The key talking points are Oppenheimer, Game of Thrones, Euphoria, and watching these things with parents. Ok...
Oppenheimer - Emily Blunt's character visualizes her husband fucking another woman. As someone who has had those mind movies, that was not unnecessary.
Game of Thrones - "We cheekied-monkied Americans would like to object to this objectification of us." Game of Thrones shit the bed with its final season. Arguing about its gratuitous sex misses the point, and, note, people aren't arguing about the gratuitous violence. Same with the rating system: violence is fine yet nudity and swearing are taboo.
Euphoria - didn't watch it, don't care to. All the BTS drama and hating Assassination Nation put me off.
Watching with Parents - Youths dealing with discomfort. Guess "birds and the bees" aren't a thing anymore. Any discomfort I've felt watching sex scenes with friends/family is my problem, not the filmmakers.
"What's the cause? What's the meaning?" Favorite movie of the year: Asteroid City
Look at it holistically. Housing, technology, education, representation.
Can't afford your own housing so shack with parents/roommates; no much room for privacy and exploration/experimentation. Most current human interaction is done through social media and dating is a shit show. A casual long-term, long-distance, low-commitment shit show. Not to mention the youths clamoring for less sex are having less sex. Yet sex is everywhere (it sells), though not in current popular films; no sex equals more profit. It's available at the touch of a button. You don't have to wait for Friday Night Cinemax or HBO, or go to the covered section in the back of the video store. As with leather clothing it's as daily as denim. And as far as I'm aware, sex education is still regressing to the point of being harmful. Another argument is most sex on screen is white, hetero-normative, and boring (representation). That's on the viewer, they need to go looking. Granted, throw a stone into the past and more often than not you'll hit media guilty of this. However if you look hard enough you can find anything (video of a trans-woman in thigh high boots currently playing in my mind, not available on streaming).
I don't have an answer to this argument. Being in a dead bedroom thoughts of sex cause anxiety and depression, but I'm not calling for censorship. It's easy to name call or side eye, but, as with flat-earthers, it's important to dig to the root of the problem to find solutions.
Truthfully, these vocal unfucked fuckers calling for censorship or skip buttons need some miles on their souls.
You are not special. Life has no meaning. And when you die the universe will not care. However... "You can't wake up if you don't fall asleep."
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Jurassic Park SNES OST
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Posted:Jun 6, 2023 7:05 pm
Last Updated:Jun 14, 2023 2:46 pm 6076 Views
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Jurassic Park is celebrating 30 years.
Universal Orlando put up a very impressive tribute store.
Photo opportunity with a T-Rex while you're on the toilet.
When Velocicoaster opened it had a tribute store, a bigger tribute store... with candles.
Magic Candle Company relabeled some of their scents Jurassic Park themed.
I take umbrage with both the bigger tribute store and the candles.
Side note: taking a break from discussing leather / sex.
Fashion has seemed to veer towards latex, and I'm tired of being angry at my fetish.
Plus my last sexual experience strange, for lack of a better word.
Velocicoaster is dumb. When thinking of it, my mind automatically associates it with a SNL sketch Tarmac Talk, a talk show on an active runway.
Velocicoaster's wait line can stretch to three hours for a ride in a raptor paddock. A literal rollercoaster in a literal raptor paddock. A stellar rollercoaster and top-notch theming wasted on stupid. That angers me; if the theming wasn't as impressive I wouldn't be angry.
The entire ride negates Jurassic Park; the opening scene and the ending. "They're lethal at eight months, and I do mean lethal." The raptors in Velocicoaster are on par with Amy the gorilla from Congo; Good girl, not clever girl.
That ride got a tribute store nearly double the size of Jurassic Park. With SECTIONS!! A Jurassic World section and section reminiscent of The Lost World. A film which did everything Fallen Kingdom and Dominion did and is mostly forgotten. Magic Candle Company relabeled their Wilderness scent Sorna Redwoods for the tribute store; counts for something though doesn't erase the ride insulting my intelligence.
I'll touch on my interest with scents another time
I simply needed to write something, anything beyond the usual tripe.
Edit: Wanted to share latest playlist. Jurassic Park - playlist?list=PLif4oYGck8HBNOdi9wQW67E1MD8AXVRIs
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Caduceus, Alicks, Trashton - I Don't Wanna
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Posted:May 1, 2023 12:04 pm
Last Updated:May 1, 2023 3:33 pm 6306 Views
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I shaved.
Genitals, to be precise.
That's it.
Nothing major, nothing life-changing.
Didn't try for more sex. Gave up, remember?
Did it to feel like myself.
Haven't felt that in some time.
Last instance was Disney World, with the family.
Brief moments where I didn't feel "Plan B" or "The Help"
I felt human.
"Fascinating", as Spock would say.
Finding it funny....
close to a decade since I first had sex only to be sexless afterwards. Tried so hard and ended back at the beginning; full circle, a messed-up monomyth.
It's fine; declared myself sexually inactive before the pandemic started; took a little more time to own it; now it's by choice.
Side note:
Can't recommend Barry enough; though little miffed Barry's audience aren't singing Documentary Now praises. Fair, given's Hader's diminished role after second season, but Kunuk Uncovered, The Eye Doesn't Lie, Parker Gail's Location is Everything, Life as an Oscar Bridesmaid are too great to be ignored.
Side-side note:
Don't know what to call this aside from "showing growth": after reddit threads about SOs harboring flames for exes, I learn her ex is recently married. I'm happy for him; no ill will, resentment, or silent curses Two people found each other and are so committed they commemorated that commitment on a seaside cliff. Hope for the future, love it.
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Pray for Sound - Ezra
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Posted:Mar 10, 2023 5:34 pm
Last Updated:Apr 16, 2024 12:10 am 7086 Views
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I got nothing.
I just really like the song.
And I keep thinking about South Park addressing ChatGPT; people using it for homework and dating. (quick search shows AI-assisted dating is fairly commonplace).
Is it deception or some sort of fraud?
Honestly can't say considering most (if not all) relationships are built on some sort of deceit. Makeup, clothes, personality, libido, height, what have you.
Not my place to judge, point fingers, or criticize
Will note that nothing lasts, in this case reality eventually wins; long cons are not for affairs of the heart. Wallet's a different story, but lie enough end up lying to yourself which is no way to live.
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