The FearFest that COULD have been...

So after two weeks of horror movies, I have to say that this year is no better or worse than last year. I realize that AMC is starting a zombie series on Sunday, but that doesnt mean that someone at AMC couldnt have put about 15 minutes over a box of doughnuts in a conference room to make some better decisions.

The staples were all present: the original Dracula (Nosferatu - silent and the 1931 with Bela Lugosi), Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, The Creature from the Black Lagoon - and rightly so. Even the marathons of the Friday the 13th and the Halloween series were welcome and seasoned in their blood, gore, and mayhem. On the other end of the spectrum, however - was the ghastly Italian import Slaughter of the Vampires and the public domain sequel to the Amazing Colossal Man - War of the Colossal Beast.

With a little more thought, the offerings could have included some of the classics - including the original Mummy, Witchboard, Interview with a Vampire, An American Werewolf in London, the (original) Blob, and about fifteen others.

Next year, AMC, perhaps you might even delight us with some of your original movies youve had produced and released to DVD. Leave the low (or no) budget pieces of work to yourself - or at least bring Elvira and Joe Bob Briggs back to entertain us.

Dont mistake me, AMC execs - thank you thank you for two whole weeks of very good movies and frightening fare - since no other network does as much as you do. All I ask, and there may be others out there, is take suggestions next time. We'd like to be part of the process.

And for Halloween, my good friends, i sign off and wish you ...very very ... pleasant....screams!!!

FearFest - - Happy Halloween

Ive never said it here, but I absolutely adore Halloween. Im not sure why nor can I tell you the moment I realized it, but nonetheless, I do. For the past week, I have made it my mission to be engrossed in AMC's FearFest. It has been completely delightful!! At this moment (note the timestamp), I am watching the 1931 Dracula - and it is a triumph of cinema! I could care less what Roger Ebert says!

I challenge you, my good readers, to think of the horror movies you like, if you like any of them. Ill tell you this.

Saturday evening/Sunday evening (which ever Trick or Treat'ers frequent), the DVR where I am will be showing the CLASSICS - Nosferatu, Frankenstein, Dracula, The Wolf Man, and The Creature from the Black Lagoon.

Pleasant screams!! ((evil laugh follows))

Reckless Abandon

Nothing new going on this end. Thought I should at least keep everyone up to date on the goings on of "status quo". The rain is particularly calming today. I didnt expect it would creep up like it did. The forecast mentioned SOME rain, but wow - this was a very pleasant surprise.

With the AMC Fear Fest 2010 marathon entering its second week, Ill just quote Beldar Conehead before I sign off.

"Stability and contentment have been achieved".

Oh, and my song of the week, which 2LT Ramey calls "crappy" is - The Temper Trap's Sweet Disposition. VERY GOOD - at least in my opinion.

No rainy day blues here. Let's all hope that Caprice's classes are going well.

Before JPA sends me a note...

I have not posted in a couple days and Im 6 into a 12 pack so now seems like as good of a time as any.

First, yes, I missed Homecoming. Im sure the MAB email will be scathing and harsh. Much like my meetings with MBW.

Second, its my step mothers birthday. Happy Birthday, Susan. You deserve the best after dealing with BDW for so many years.

Third, any questions? Lets hear them --- Ill be honest in subsequent posts ...

Tropical Storm Otto

I cant complain after the last rain event here. It was absolutely incredible. Now, Tropical Storm Otto comes along, forms, and moves in the COMPLETE opposite direction that most storms move - due WEST. Sigh, I think to myself. It going to be a long dry fall. At least the temperatures are nice. I know this one is short, but I just couldnt believe that a storm would form and just go away. I suppose thats life tho. You expect something to blow up - and instead it just blows away.

Thats not a bad way to have things unfold.

If youve been waiting...

I started listening to Pandora again today. I was cleaning the house and didnt have anything special I wanted to hear, so as I used to, I just clicked on "Here With Me" radio and waited for the techno (yes, dont be surprised) to begin. ATB is still my favorite, but there are a few like Alice DJ, Robert Miles, Hypertrophy, and even a Madonna song in there that just makes you want to get up and do something!!

In this case, I was not disappointed. I wonder what will play next. If you havent yet, sign up for a free account. It will keep up with playlists you like and always perks up an otherwise dull afternoon.

Also, if you havent looked, a friend of mine from Western has his own photography site on Facebook. If you need a little diversion, take a gander here. Matthew is very talented and I think he will do well.

Thermodynamics and feeling badly

Ive said it before and Ill say it again. Sometimes, when life goes to shit, Im reminded of the Third law of thermodynamics. Paraphrased it can be summed up by saying "You can't win, you can't break even, and you can't get out of the game."

In this particular case, feeling nostalgic for the past and listening to Imogen Heap, I see a particular photograph of someone from my past and can't help but wonder what if. JBR and ESD have both said to me recently that they wonder what if on occasion. I remember telling them that there is no point in doing that. The universe unfolds as it should. Looking back doesnt do anything at all but bring you to the point of tears and consume your whole self with doubt and sorrow about moments long gone.

I submit to you, whoever you are reading this, it is perfectly acceptable and maybe even encouraged to shed a tear or two about things that might have been. Don't misunderstand me. Gandalf said it best when he reminded Frodo that no one gets to say "I wish _______ had never happened". All we can do is decide (anything) one way or the other and hope that that decision is proper. If its not, well --- in that case.... all you can do is look a photographs and remember, with a happy disposition an easier time.

I could ramble on all day but - I made my choice. I am, for the most part, completely content and well taken care of. I cannot say that I regret where I am now - I certainly do not. RBB, 2 and PGR are amazing friends and keep me very centered - - - more so than in any time in my life. Still, how many of us dont just wonder - the possibilities? Thank goodness that every reality that can happen, has. If you believe in the intricacies of quantum mechanics, you've got that to look toward.

I will make a manifest effort to be happy in my own skin. As it stands now, I certainly am. I worry - like always - but things work out. I am safe, happy, fed, and secure. I can say that I do know who I am and where I belong. That has been a long time coming.

That doesnt mean that I miss the things that could have been. Thermodynamics aside - it would be nice to win. Maybe Im closer to it than I think. Maybe we all are...

...that doesnt mean I dont miss that one rainy night in Kentucky; or that one trip to Waterrock Knob on the foggy night; or the events that made me who I am today.