Fun Times

Today I wore my Darth Vader costume at the Lux Halloween party-time. I think it's a pretty good costume. At 5'7 I'm not the most imposing Vader ever, but I get the job done.

I also dueled with lil' Knobby for about a half-hour. Dave took some really rad pictures of us with lightsabers a-blurrin'. Hopefully those will come out good.

That is all.

Dave Dahl Loves You

Dave Dahl Loves You
Originally uploaded by darthvedder81.

Okay, tonight's blog is a veritable grab bag of bloggedy goodness!


To start off there's this. I'm sure you heard about it, but it's quite funny to experience first-hand on your computer screen. And we thought her sister was dumb.

Lucasfilm released the Star Wars: Episode III-Revenge of the Sith teaser poster today. Also click here for an unconfirmed, but still pretty dang cool synopsis of Episode III. As a fan of the series, I've enjoyed the prequels on at least a visceral level if nothing else. Hopefully this last chapter will blow even non-nerds out of the water...

And lastly today I purchased a cape. It cost me $15.98 at Party City. You'll have to wait until the weekend to see what I'm going to use it for, but it will no doubt be my best costume ever-except for my Pepsi Can costume I wore in 1991 (yup the Halloween blizzard year).

What's next, Jesus candles?

I like to think of myself as something of a trendsetter. I've discovered, enjoyed and brought to the attention of others many interesting things. Lately, I feel like I've been getting screwed over in this area; I haven't been receiving "cred" as the kids might say. So without further ado, here are 4 things I started liking/using/doing long before anyone else...

1. Apple Macintosh Computers

I've been using a Mac regularly since I was 6. My aunt purchased a Macintosh Plus that I would use infrequently, and I've been hooked ever since. My dad finally entered the 90's world of graphic design and purchased a Macintosh IIci in 1992. Later that same year my parents finally replaced our aging Apple II Plus (still one of the best computers ever made) with a Macintosh Performa 400. I bought my first Mac in 1996 (a PowerMac 7200/75) and replaced it with my current Powerbook G3/400 in 2000.

I've been a total die-hard Mac apologist allthroughout my "Mac-ing" years. I've endured ridicule, scorn and derision for using both an Apple computer and using and enjoying computers at all.

Oh sure a lot of you out there claim to "have always liked Macs", but it's only been recently that most of the people in my circle of friends have left the dark side for the light. Curious.

2. Blogging

I started my blog waaay back in May. I sent out emails to a number of people announcing my blog and got almost no response. No one cared, and that's understandable as my blog is quite lame. Still, in the last two months of course blogging/xanga-ing have taken off and now everyone and their uncle has one.

3. The naming of Golden Boy aka "Goldie"

I christened Matt Wallberg with his moniker "Golden Boy" in early 1998 when he first played at church for Dave Durry. Actually the initial name I gave him was "Golden Guitar Boy" because of his phenomenal prodigious guitar stylings (he was only 14 or so). The name was later shortened to "Golden Boy" and then just "Goldie". "Goldie" became the official nickname for Matt by 2000 and everyone from Knox's to Voltz's to McCrae's to Erhardt's called him so.

4. Fensler Films "GI Joe" Clips

I discovered these on ebaumsworld last winter and brought them to the attention of my roommate and then a bunch of guys who were at my house for my anti-Valentine's day gathering. Now everyone is saying "Porkchop sandwiches" like there is no tomarrow. And I want the t-shirt.

Now I'm trying to figure out the next fad I might bring to my collegues. I have two Catholic Jesus candles on my mantle that I got at Cub. It wouldn't suprise me if I start to see these things pop up in people's homes, in their garages, cars, workplaces,etc. We'll just have to wait and see...

Today's "Neverending Story" Character

The Rockbiter!
Originally uploaded by darthvedder81.

Look! It's the Rockbiter!

The Rockbiter is probably one of my favorite characters from "The Neverending Story."

What's not to like about him?

He's big. Hey's strong. He's made of rocks. He eats rocks. He even rides a tricycle. He was also totally ripped off in"The Lord of the Rings" by Treebeard. I'll stick with the OG Rockbiter thankyouverymuch.

Although he's only actually in the movie at the very beginning, and the very end, I find the Rockbiter to be an essential character. His powerful yet soothing presence surely gives Atreyu the strength to complete his quest.

Yes he was in "The Neverending Story II: The Next Chapter" (along with his son Rockbiter Junior), but that movie was crap-even with the almighty Brandis.

I'm not sure if he was in "The Neverending Story III" because like most people I haven't seen it as it blows. There is a character called "The Rock Chewer" but I'm not sure if that's the same guy. Maybe a distant relative?

There isn't much else to say about the ol' Rockbiter. So just enjoy the picture of him here and try to figure out why he's giving the Boy Scout salute.

A-Rod is a weenie

A-Rod, what a classy guy
Originally uploaded by darthvedder81.

I've never liked Alex Rodriguez but I've always respected him as a player—until last night.

In the bottom of the 8th inning of Game 6 of the ALCS, A-Rod hit a slow dribbler that pitcher Bronson Arroyo fielded. Arroyo ran to first base and started to apply the tag when A-Rod slapped Arroyo's glove like a sissy, knocking the ball loose.

The first base ump couldn't see what had gone on exactly and called A-Rod safe as the ball rolled down the first base line.

The umps reviewed the play and *thankfully* called A-Rod out on interference and sent Jeter back to first base.

A-Rod was totally guilty and he knew it was a dirty play, but he gave a "What?" expression even as the Red Sox manager argued the call.

Like I said, I've always beleived that A-Rod was all around the most talented player in baseball (although this year was a pretty weak one for A-Rod standards). He's a jerk, but he's a talented jerk and you have to respect that.

Not anymore.

He clearly is a selfish player who will win at all costs. Think about it. Had he not slapped the ball away like a hyper 8-year old Little Leaguer, he would have been called out BUT Jeter would be in scoring position with 2 outs. Instead Jeter got sent all the way back from home to first.

So there you have it, A-Rod is an overpaid loser. I have more respect for Joe Beimel.

A couple of movie reviews...

Click here for my take on the Mandy Moore-Macaulay Culkin vehicle "Saved."

Or

Click here to read my review of "Michael Moore Hates America."

And for those of you waiting (I know that you're out there) a NEW "Neverending Story" character profile will follow shortly...

Today's "Neverending Story" Character

Falcor!
Originally uploaded by darthvedder81.

Today's "Neverending Story" character is...

FALCOR!

Falcor is a kindly helpful luckdragon from the magical land of Fantasia.

He befriends Atreyu and assists him in his many adventures by carrying him around on his back.

Falcor can fly, and how! He's sort of a cross between a dog, an iguana and an eagle. He has soft white, silky fur. He is a friend to children and an enemy of the evil Nothing®.

Falcor can even enter the "real" non-imaginary world and he does so at the end of "The Neverending Story." He helps by scaring away Bastions' bullies into a trash dumpster.

Falcor is kind of freaky looking, and he moves like a bad stop motion puppet. But in his heart he is a loving creature...

Please feel free to comment with your own thoughts/opinions/feelings on Falcor!

Smashing Pumpkins?

Okay, lately I've been getting in to the "Smashing Pumpkins" and that's weird because they are a band I used to loathe. Maybe the fact that they broke up and haven't been popular in 7 years has something to do with that?

I suppose next I'll be listening to "Oasis" or "Marcy Playground" or something. Ugh.

Collective Soul's New Album

Collective Soul Album
Originally uploaded by darthvedder81.

Collective Soul's new album "Youth" is coming out on November 16.

Hopefully, the album is alot better than it's cover. Man is that just bad or what?

Their last album wasn't great and had pretty crappy cover art of it's own, but musically it also wasn't as bad as some people thought.

They'll never top their self-titled disc and if this new one is on par with "Dosage" that would be okay with me.

But man, oh man, AstroTurf®, some girl's bikini-clad butt and a really cheesy n*sync like logo make me very, very wary.


Ed Roland is still my hero though, and a heck of a riffmeister. That man has come up with more grooves from the key of "E" than I thought was possible.

Ugly Yankee Fans

Ugly Yankee Fans
Originally uploaded by darthvedder81.

Well to start out, here's a picture of Joe Nathan heading back to the dugout after his failed attempt at closing out a Twins victory in game 2 of the ALDS last nite.

As you can see, the Yankee fans are doing what they do best, and indeed what all New Yorkers do best-yelling and cussing out other people.

It would be more understandable if they were booing say, Pedro Martinez or another of the hated Boston Red Sox. But this is just Joe Nathan, a nice guy who's had a heckuva year. The Twins are a nice, quality ballclub who've come along way considering they have 1/3 of the money the Wankees have and don't deserve that kind of disrespect.

But you expect this from ugly people from the Bronx (and their dog-faced girlfriends). I mean c'mon, look at that squinty guy on the left, he looks like an extra from "Deliverance."

In other news, the subwoofer for my Sony surround sound system stopped working tonite. I'll have to buy a new one, and that sucks.

Also, tonite I picked up a tuxedo and I cleaned my toilet.

What a life I lead.

Britney pulls a Kaps!

Britney pulls a Kaps!
Originally uploaded by darthvedder81.

It's just like what Kaps did to me in the Lakeville church parking lot...

Sports and Christmas

Well the churches' Christmas Eve Service times have been announced.

3:15PM

5:15PM

7:15PM

I wanted to be involved this year but the times are just too late.

Apparently a number of people wish to watch two mediocre football teams play in a meaningless, end of the season game. I mean, it's the birth of our Lord and savior for crying out loud, and it's not even the Super Bowl or a playoff game.

And before you say "Well how would you feel if it was the TWINS playing a big game?", I'll tell you this.

I left Game 4 of the 2002 ALDS (a way more important game than this upcoming Christmas contest) to play in the band at church. Also, I went to Jr.High and fulfilled my leadership duties during Game 2 of the ALCS that very same year. So poo-poo to you!

Mr.Nelson does it again!

Stupid hat round-up!

May the Schwartz Be With You!

"The Search for More Money"

Finally pictures!

Beth.JPG
Originally uploaded by darthvedder81.

Well I finally figured out how to post pictures on my blog.

Here's a shot I took of my sister Beth enjoying a sandwich at the Field Museum in Chicago, IL.
My family and I went there last April just for the heck of it. It was a fun trip.

FYI, this picture was taken with a 35mm film camera. So take that digital weenies! Just kidding...

Does anybody read this thing?

Okay, I'm going to conduct a little survey here.

If anyone actually reads my blog, leave a comment and say "donut".

If you'd rather not admit you read "Chris Dugan: News & Views" remember that you can always comment as "anonymous."

Thank you, and God Bless America.