CREW

2002-07-05T19:25:00.000-04:00

PYROTECHNICS

"4th of July"

On the 4th of July, my family hosted our annual picnic, complete with the fireworks that I had purchased just a few days ago. The fireworks proved to be very good, as expected from Phantom. The final one that was shot was a tube called the "Blue Wave," which flew up about 100 feet and then produced a huge floral burst.

2002-07-03T16:05:00.000-04:00

PYROTECHNICS

"Fireworks Roadtrip"

On Monday and Tuesday, I took a roadtrip with some friends to buy some fireworks. We went to Ohio to purchase from one of the nation's largest supplier of consumer fireworks, Phantom Fireworks. A huge stockpile now awaits the 4th.

2002-07-03T15:51:00.000-04:00

ATHLETICS

"World Cup Championship"

Early Sunday morning I got up to watch the championship match of the World Cup between soccer giants Germany and Brasil. Though the game ended in a 2 to 0 shutout with Brasil taking the win, it was quite an exciting game throughout. Brasil played very well, with two goals scored by Ronaldo to return victory to the team. On the German side, goalkeeper Oliver Kahn played well for much of the match, but could only keep out the Brasilians for two-thirds of the match. Nevertheless, for his multitude of triumphant saves Kahn was given the Golden Ball Award, which is "arguably the most prestigious individual award in the world of football." Before the final match, he had only let one goal be scored on Germany in the entire cup.

2002-07-03T15:36:00.000-04:00

MOVIES

"Mr. Deeds"

Over the past weekend I saw the new Adam Sandler flick, "Mr. Deeds." The movie was not nearly as funny as I expected from this comedian, and it seemed to be a romantic comedy. I gave it a 5 out of 10 on my rating scale, and I certainly do not reccomend watching it.

2002-06-24T16:41:00.000-04:00

BOOKS

"The Minority Report"

This weekend I had a chance to read the short story "The Minority Report" by Phillip K. Dick. The story was very good, and I recommend it highly. I have yet to see the film adaptation of the story, but it is getting generally very good reviews.

2002-06-19T02:30:00.000-04:00

ATHLETICS

"World Cup Soccer"

For anyone interested, there are two World Cup soccer games early this Friday morning. First is Brasil vs. England at 2:30 AM. As I have stated earlier, I am routing for Brasil, and the game should prove to be a good one, and likely a close one too. However, I will probably miss this game, because I am going to wake up to watch the 7:30 AM game between USA and Germany. We are of course the underdogs, but there has been quite a bit of buzz about USA's wins over two of the world's top teams, Portugal and Mexico. Germany may be next, and I will be watching to find out.

2002-06-19T02:12:00.000-04:00

MOVIES

"Rat Race"

Just finished watching the movie "Rat Race." On my scale, it recieved a 6, for it was somewhat funny, but came up with more lame jokes than funny ones. I had heard good things about this movie previously, but I cannot recommend it to others. It certainly has its funny parts, but there was far too much filler.

2002-06-18T02:11:00.000-04:00

MOVIES

"Blow"

Tonight I watched the Johnny Depp movie "Blow." I gave it a 7 of 10 on the movie ratings scale. The movie follows the life of the origional drug lord in the US, George Jung. This was an interesting premise for the movie, but proved slow in some points, as life sometimes goes. Overall, worth watching, but not if you're in the mood for some fast paced action.

2002-06-17T12:47:00.000-04:00

ATHLETICS

"World Cup"

Last night I watched the World Cup soccer game between USA and Mexico. I was really tired at the time, so I only stayed up for the first half, but it was a good game. I saw the first goal scored by USA, and the game ended with us winning 2 to 0. This win was an extremely important one for the sport in the United States. The team has now made it to the final eight, which is the best they have done since making it to the quarterfinals in 1930. I'm quite excited about this win, and perhaps it will allow the United States to be seen as somewhat of a competitor on the global scene of soccer, rather than just an outsider. Also, in soccer news, Brasil (the other team I am routing for) beat Belgium to advance to the semifinals, no suprise here.

2002-06-16T03:57:00.000-04:00

ATHLETICS

"Pick-up Soccer Game"

Today, after watching the World Cup Soccer game between England and Denmark, some friends and I played a game of soccer at the park. I played a little Intra-mural Co-ed soccer at my college this past year, but I have not played too much soccer over my life, just two years when I was in Junior High. The game made me realize how out of shape I am, which is especially noticible in my case because I like to run, and often do distance road races. This next week in fact I am planning on participating in a 5-mile run, but I haven't ran in about a month. I really enjoyed the pick-up game of soccer though, and afterwards we played a little basket ball as well.

2002-06-16T03:52:00.000-04:00

ATHLETICS

"World Cup Soccer Match, England Vs. Denmark"

This morning, I got up with some friends at 7:30 AM to watch the World Cup Soccer match between England and Denmark. This was the live time at which the game was played, however, ESPN did not televise the game then. Rather, it was not shown until 3:30 PM on ABC. By this time, the winner of the game was already known, but we watched it anyway. The game was an interesting one, though it ended in a shutout by England, 3 to 0. I was satisfied watching my first (full) World Cup game this year. I plan on watching the USA vs. Mexico game early Monday morning, at 2:30 AM. The winner of this game will advance to the quarterfinals, which would be a tie for the best USA has ever done in the world cup.

2002-06-16T03:33:00.000-04:00

MOVIES

"Donnie Darko"

Recently I had a chance to rewatch parts of the cult movie "Donnie Darko," which I have seen a few months ago. I gave this movie a 9 out of 10, for it is an extremely intriguing movie that draws upon the anguish of teenage years. On the Internet Movie Database, one person simply and accurately described it as "Dark and Beautiful, A great film....See this film if you can, It is a wonderful dark ride."

2002-06-16T03:25:00.000-04:00

MOVIES

"Insomnia"

A few days ago, I saw the new Christopher Nolan movie,"Insomnia." The movie was quite entertaining, and I gave the movie a 9 out of 10 on the movie rating scale (there is a link to explain this scale in the upper left of the page). The movie was a great serial killer mystery gone wrong plot, as well as a convincing portrayal of the condition of insomnia. This is reminicent of Nolan's previous movie, "Memento," in that it takes a condition experienced by the lead character and attempts to create that feeling in the viewer. This is one of the greatest things that I like about these two films, and both are quite successful in achieving this. Definately check out both of these films if you haven't already, I gave Memento a 10 of 10 on the scale.

2002-06-12T23:46:00.000-04:00

ACADEMICS

"World Future Society Conference 2002"

The World Future Society's annual conference this year is to be held in Philadelphia. This is coincidentally where my college is located, so they are sending a number of students to the conference (and paying the several hundered dollar fee). I am in the process of signing up for this now, along with one of my roommates. I do not really know what to expect from the conference, but it should be an interesting look into current issues. The conference is taking place in late July, and I will post information on how it went then.

2002-06-10T01:19:00.000-04:00

MOVIES

"A Clockwork Orange"

Just tonight I watched the Stanley Kubrick clasic, "A Clockwork Orange." I wasn't as shocked at the movie as people had led me to believe I would be. I came away with the feeling that it was just a very very strange movie, and a bit disturbing. I am still a little confused as to the purpose to the movie, but I can see that it comments on the idea that someone without choice and freedom is not really a person. I gave the movie a 7 out of 10 on my movie rating scale. This movie rating scale (which was developed by myself and P, and later adopted by T) can always be found by following the link in the upper left of the page. Special thanks to T for putting the scale onto a webpage.

2002-06-08T21:48:00.000-04:00

COMICS

"Johnny the Homicidal Maniac"

I'm not one to read comic books, but recently I have looked over one of the "Johnny the Homicidal Maniac" issues briefly. This comic by Jhonan Vasques is quite a funny comic, though I'm sure many would find it distasteful for the great amount of violence and vulgarity used. However, those that read it will realize that these are exactly where the humor and greatness of the comic comes from. Definately check it out if you're in for some devilish humor.

2002-06-08T21:26:00.000-04:00

NOTE

"Sickness"

Just after finals had ended, I suffered a terrible bout with an unknown sickness, possibly a bad fever or the flu. I had a flu shot earlier in the season, however, so if that is what I had, I am terribly disappointed with the health system. I am almost fully recovered now, thanks to several days of sleep, but unfortunately this has been a poor start to my summer.

2002-06-03T16:46:00.000-04:00

NOTE

"Lack of Updates"

I know that I have not updated the weblog for quite a while. I am in the midst of finals week, and the past two weeks have been filled with projects due at the end of term...I'm sure everyone can relate. This Wednesday I will be done with finals, so I will update this more often then.

2002-05-24T05:04:00.000-04:00

MUSIC

"Pop Disaster Tour"

I just got back a few hours ago from the Pop Disaster Tour's stop in Hershey, PA. Saves the Day opened for Green Day and Blink 182. I was surprised that Blink was the headlining act, but I suppose they have more fans due to their MTV popularity. I must say that the concert was amazing. I arrived a bit late, so I missed half of Saves the Day's set (this angered me), but I have seen them before in concert very recently, which makes it almost forgivable. Before Green Day, the crowd began to push wildly when no one was on stage, reaching the lowpoint of the night. However, this all changed as soon as Green Day stepped up to the plate. Their set was very long, and thoroghly enjoyable--they really know how to get the audience motivated. Blink's set was somewhat shorter, but there were twice the number of stage effects. The crowning achievement for the night was in fact one of these effects that just sent the whole crowd roaring. Personally, I was in awe of what they did, but I don't want to ruin it for anyone else going to see the tour (IM me if you want to know). I must say that the background music between sets was superb. Immediately after Saves the Day departed, a song from Common Rider came on, which is Jesse Michaels (Operation Ivy lead singer) somewhat new band. Between Green Day and Blink, they played almost the entire "And Out Come the Wolves..." album by rancid. Finally, after Blink 182, they played the origional version of 99 Red Balloons. Overall, the experience was one of the best I've had, and we ended it with some Philly cheese steaks when we got home. Definately check out the Pop Disaster Tour if you like any of the bands, it is an amazing experience.

2002-05-21T01:46:00.000-04:00

MUSIC

"New Goldfinger Album"

The new Goldfinger album entitled "Open Your Eyes" goes on sale Tuesday the 21st. Check it out at Goldfinger's website.

2002-05-19T02:11:00.000-04:00

ATHLETICS

"Capture the Flag"

Tonight I had a very odd experience. A bunch of friends and I decided to play soccer around 11pm after a school sponsored Guster concert that we went to. We played until midnight, at which time a group of people arrived at the field to play a game of campus-wide capture the flag, and invited us to play as well. What makes this so strange is that my college is in Philadelphia--not exactly the place you would expect to play capture the flag. So for the next hour and a half, I was running around campus with a red headband on, while random people were giving odd looks. Surely we looked like some kind of gang, and security probably thought a fight was about to break out when people are chasing one another ferociously. We quit around 1:30 though, because our group was feeling tired. All in all, a good experience, but a strange one, for I had certainly not expected to be playing capture the flag in a city, especially tonight.

2002-05-16T06:59:00.000-04:00

MOVIES

"Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones"

As T did, I saw Episode II tonight, well I know that it's not night anymore, I'm pulling an all nighter for the two papers I have to write after the movie. I really enjoyed the movie, but something was lacking. Perhaps it was the unfamiliar theater and unfriendly staff, but I certainly felt detached from the movie. For some reason I could not get "into" it, as I did with Episode I, and more recently, Spider-Man. This condition caused me to feel that the movie was not engrossing enough, but I think that it is not the movie's fault. Perhaps something in my subconsious was getting the better of me. There were of course moments that I was entirelly excited during the film, and for this reason, I know that the movie was not at fault, and that at these moments when I was entirelly captivated by the movie, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. However I soon reverted back to my detached mode...perhaps it was due to the person's head in front of me blocking part of the screen...oh well. I would like to see this movie again soon, so that I can get a real feel for it.

2002-05-14T23:53:00.000-04:00

HEALTH

"Blood Drive"

Today I gave blood to the Red Cross, which came to my campus. My roommates decided upon donating as well when they learned that there was free food there. My arm hurts now. Normally my veins are quite prominent, but today they were having problems, and the blood even stopped flowing several times. I stuck it out though, and squeezed out the whole pint, to spite the nurse that thought I couldn't.

2002-05-14T23:49:00.000-04:00

MUSIC

"Weezer's 'Maladroit'"

T has already gotten to this subject first, but it is certainly worth mentioning that 'Maladroit' was released today after a long delay. The album is very good, although I do not like it as much as the other Weezer albums, at least at this point. However, the same thing occured with the Green Album, and now I have grown to love that one as well. Also, being an extreme fan of Weezer (they are my favorite band, and the one that got me into music in the first place), I am quite judgemental of the album. The metal influence on the songs is not quite what I expected at first, but it is starting to grow on me. It is still Weezer, and a solid album, with some especially catchy songs. Check it out.

2002-05-14T00:08:00.000-04:00

MOVIES

"Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones"

Just as T is, I am awaiting the release of the new Star Wars movie. However, I have yet to purchase tickets for the midnight showing, and fear that I may be too late. After reading an article that Spider-Man has made over $200 million in its first nine days, I am wondering how well Episode II will do. I guess we'll find out soon enough.

2002-05-14T00:00:00.000-04:00

ATHLETICS

"Track meet at Villanova"

I just came back from another running event, the second in two days. Today I went to Villanova's twilight track meet, and competed in the 1500 meter run. The competition was very intense, and since I am horribly out of shape, I could not measure up to the others, who were hoping to qualify for NCAA championship races. The weather was horrible for the meet, with sporadic showers and lightning at one point. However, I was able to watch some amazing runners; the first place finisher in the 5000 meter run had a 14:42.

2002-05-12T17:20:00.000-04:00

ATHLETICS

"Philadelphia Race for the Cure"

Today I ran in the Philadelphia Race for the Cure, which last year had 36,000 participants and raised $2.4 million for breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment. The numbers for this year aren't up yet, but I assume it will be similar. It was a 5k race, and I thoroughly enjoyed the course, which led us through center city Philly. The free goodies bags were another plus, and also the fact that my University paid my entry fee. Though I had to get up at 7:30am on a weekend, it was quite worth it. Happy Mother's Day.

2002-05-12T17:07:00.000-04:00

INTRODUCTION

Hello, for those who don't recognize my pseudonym, I am Mario. I grew up with T and now go to college in Philly. I'll be posting up on T's weblog, so hopefully the perspective and events of another city will interest some.

2002-05-11T17:43:00.000-04:00

coming...