another scary movie day

Scott and I joined his friend, Paula, to spend another day watching scary movies.

halloween rob zombie Originally uploaded by vizyonmax1	Halloween (2007): D The first movie was heavy metal musician Rob Zombie's 2007 remake Halloween. I never saw John Carpenter's 1978 original version, so I didn't have much to compare it to. Scott and Paula seemed to enjoy it though. Admittedly, I'm not a fan of the horror genre, but I also thought the long set-up was unnecessary and few, if any, of the characters were sympathetic or believable.
La cosecha Originally uploaded by pedrotbm	The Reaping: D Even if I were a horror movie fan, I don't see how The Reaping would qualify as an enjoyable or fun movie. The worse aspect was the over-the-top stereotypes of rural Louisiana and fundamentalist Christians.
Bug ( Drama ) Originally uploaded by see_movie	Bug: B Wow, the pleasant surprise of the day was the 2006 movie Bug starring Ashley Judd. Apparently Scott and Paula didn't read the DVD cover closely because we all assumed it would be a horror/sci-fi thriller about, well, bugs. Needless to say, there were not swarms of bugs or giant, radioactive monster insects. The first act was slow and we began to wonder why the horror movie's set-up was taking so long. We even began to doubt the Roger Ebert review calling the movie "searingly intense". However, we did a little research and realized the movie was based on a play which prepared us the rest of movie being set in a three-room motel room.

Juno: A

Scott, Heather, Isabell, and I watched Juno (IMDB.com) this afternoon. Going in, I was a little concerned the movie wouldn't live up to its hype. However, this is probably one of the best movies I've seen this year. The characters were believeable and great performances. Ellen Page is great as the title character. Allison Janney was great in her supporting role and JK Simmons is is terrific as the gruff, but loving dad/grandfather.

Not sure what else to say. The movie did briefly deal with abortion, but I can't see how a pro-lifers or pro-choicers could see their depictions as good. The point of the movie seemed to be folks trying to do the right thing in a simultaneously bizarre and normal situation.

funny ad

Here's a funny ad about an annoying product:

Enthousiasme Gay
Uploaded by KimUSA

(Hat Tip: GayRightsWatch.com)

Christmas Day snow (updated)

IMG_3973, originally uploaded by sweber4507.

Although it's not visible in the camera phone photo, it really did snow this Christmas Day. As seen in Scott's photo, it really did snow on Christmas Day. KGW reports it has been 17 years since Portland has had snow on Christmas Day. Fortunately, the snow didn't stick in the Portland-Vancouver area we traveled, but it was nice to see.

I was a really tired today. Last night, Scott and I decided to skip Christmas eve services so we could go to sleep early. However, at 11:45 PM, Tammam called and guilted me into upholding our annual tradition. I got dressed and met him at St. Mary's Cathedral just a couple blocks from the building. St. Mary's has a beautiful service, but the novelty of high church has worn thin. By 1:30, the Hallelulah Chorus grand finale was the only obstacle between me and bed.

I Am Legend: B

Last night, Scott and I joined Jay and Jay's brother to watch the new Will Smith movie I Am Legend (IMDB.com). Like the 28 Days series and Children of Men, Legend creates an impressive prediction of near-present day post apocalyptic setting. The Fresh Prince did a great job carrying most of the movie solo. Fortunately, he was able to talk to his dog and he had flashbacks. The flashback scenes were a little frustrating in that they didn't really explain much beyond the obvious.

The movie's last act is unexpected and, openly admittedly by the movie to be unlikely. The movie's ending pretty much resolves everything, but leaves some parts of the calamity's origins unexplained. I suspect there is more stories to the flashbacks that may have been saved for the DVD version.

Overall, it's a good movie, but a little long. It's only 141 minutes, but I became a little restless toward the end. Probably some of the slow, atmosphere-setting scenes in the first half could have been shortened.

Charlie Wilson's War: C

I dragged Scott to Charlie Wilson's War (IMDB.com) last night. I had a hard time convincing anyone else to see a movie starring Tom Hanks, but Scott relented since I go to his movie pics too.

I have mixed feelings about Charlie. I can understand how Director Mike Nichols and screenplay writer Aaron Sorkin would have thought this would have been good story for a movie. Hanks, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Julia Roberts certainly seemed to maximize their characters' interesting flaws. Although I thought Roberts had a significantly smaller and less interesting role compared to Hoffman's more entertaining disheveled fat guy shtick.

The movie does a good job portraying Afghans as sympathetic victims of the Soviet Union. The movie also points out the US' mistake for not supporting Afghanistan's post-war reconstruction. And it delicately mentions the indirect aftermath that led to 9/11 and our current fiasco.

Charlie is advertised as a farce and yet its hard to see any humor in the situation. The idea that the US would throw money and weapons for its own self-serving purposes is sad and disturbing. Maybe it's just too soon to see the humor of war or it's too uncomfortable to see what our government can do when everyone responsible turns a blind eye.

white elephant 2007

Last night, Scott and I attended K&K's annual white elephant Christmas party. While we panicked to find suitable odd gifts, we did enjoy the party once we were there. Some of the white elephant highlights included: peeing boy brandy dispenser, 1 yard yule log "manufactured" in Tennessee, personal rape alarm, snowman lamp, and a snowman doll that now graces our lobby.

After we traded gifts, Kevin got out one of last year's white elephant presents: Angela Lansbury's 1988 exercise video Positive Moves. I'm pretty sure we're going to hell for poking fun at the video. I suppose any exercise video is ridiculous, but seeing some of Ms. Lansbury's exercise moves, personal philosophy (just "cancel it" to counter negative thoughts), napping, and intimate bathtub scenes were just too much. Admittedly though, she probably leads a more active life than I do.

Fremont Bridge

Fremont Bridge over the Willamette River, originally uploaded by sweber4507.

I drove Scott to the waterfront on a spur of the moment photo expedition during the last moments of Saturday's day light. It was a little eerie. A cold windy gray day under a noisy, massive structure, on a vacant stretch of waterfront walkway, next to an abandoned corporate "park".

I was surprised Scott wanted to photograph this bridge instead of his favorite bridge, the St. Johns. However, I think the day's not quite stormy, not quite sunny atmosphere matched my feelings of the Fremont.

According to Portland lore, the massive Fremont was built at a time when city leaders had planned to have multiple freeways crisscrossing the metro area. Its bold white arch and stylish design make it appear to be an optimistic prediction of freeway life -- at least from the distance most people downtown see the bridge. However, at a closer look, drivers can see the fading, cracking paint; ramps to forgotten, never-built freeways; and odd nut-and-bolt joints which seem unlikely on any modern structure. It's unimaginable today's Portlander's would support the construction of any huge, expensive bridge without bike lanes, pedestrian walkways, and transit lines.

Santas invade Downtown

I've seen some hilarious naughty Santas and Mrs. Clauses all day downtown. Apparently it is part of Santacon.

(Hat Tip: Metroblogging Portland)

For The Bible Tells Me So: C

I dragged Scott to the documentary For The Bible Tells Me So (IMDB.com) last weekend.

The documentary is a good primer on gay Christians. The movie started off not by profiling gay Christians, but introducing the religious backgrounds of the parents of gay Christians. It was interesting to hear the perspective of Bishop Gene Robinson's parents, Imogene & Victor Robinson. Several other parents were introduced including an African-American couple who were also conservative pastors who refused to accept their daughter's lesbian identity. I was surprised that even the daughter of former Democrat presidential candidate Dick Gephardt struggled to tell her parents. Robinson's and Chrissy Gephardt's coming out have been widely covered in the media and yet they offered many new details from their first-person accounts. I even got a little teary-eyed watching Robinson's installation as bishop.

As expected, the film included footage of the numerous outspoken, anti-gay Christian leaders. The always reliably offensive soundbites of the Fred Phelps clan were shown along side an old Anita Bryant pie-in-the-face clip and more recent Jimmy Swaggart, James Dobson, and President Bush Jr. anti-gay statements. The notorious clobber verses were covered and refuted by Christian scholars on the liberal end of the theological spectrum.

My main criticism of the documentary is that it seemed to be repetitive at times and the last third of the film seemed to wander. This was very much a Michael Moore-ish film in that it seemed like a one-sided advocacy piece instead of an objective observer. There was even a Moore-like corporate office confrontation at the Focus on the Family headquarters in which a young gay Christian man and his parents were arrested for trespassing (apparently, part of Soulforce's protest shtick). I recall only one conservative Christian scholar interview and apparently the filmmakers could not find any gay conservative Christians who live celibate or "ex-gay".

I know this may sound snotty and know-it-all, but I can't say I really learned anything new outside of the personal accounts. The movie covered parts of my personal theological journey of the last ten years. So, the documentary had the disadvantage of covering the same old territory for me. I wish this movie was available when I first came-out, but I'm glad it's is available for conservative Christians who are struggling with their sexuality.

(12/07/2007 10:30 AM PST: Reworded and revised my first draft.)

The Mist: A

(Admittedly, I'm behind on my movie blogging. The single-click, five star rating system on Netflix is much easier, so I'll probably only post movies I see in theaters here.)

(WARNING: Minor plot spoilers.)

Last month, Scott and Sheena dragged me to The Mist (IMDB.com). I assumed it would be a silly horror movie, which is not my favorite genre. So, I went in open mind, but with low expectations. The reviews I read, which mentioned the movie had a depressing ending, were also discouraging

The movie started-off slow with the stereotypical, white, well-off, heterosexual family seemingly not having a care in the world. After an overnight storm cuts the remote town's power, a father, his son, and disgrunted minority neighbor head to the local supermarket for supplies. While shopping, the mist arrives trapping everyone in the store.

The supermarket is a microcosm of suburban American life. Stephen King shamelessly contrasts all the cultural groups as they try to understand what the mist is. The sensible, heroic father (Thomas Jane) and amateur socialogist/Radar-esque store manager Ollie (Toby Jones) plot a rescue plan while being confronted by blue collar thugs, doubting African-Americans, and religious fanatics. As fear and hopelessness intensify, the town's resident crazy lady takes charge as a Christian fundamentalist prophet. The story turns into the fundamentalist antagonist versus the sensible, educated, liberal, lesbian and athiest groups.

[SPOILER:] I'm not sure I share Stephen King's stereotypes or dire assessment of humanity. I hoped humanity would be a little more functional and rational. However, my hope was undermined in the theater when the downtown Portland audience cheered and clapped the violent death of the Christian fundamentalist who pretty much represents every stereotypical right-wing, Bush-supporting, anti-gay, anti-abortion, religious conservative we liberals/progressives believe those people truly are. (. . . or maybe I read too much into it the audience's reaction.)

Without giving away the ending, I will say that it is depressing and bleak. There is a trick ending which is predictable, but still powerful and thought-provoking. My coworker told me the short story's ending is more mysterious and vague. However, I do appreciate the fulfilling Hollywood ending which tied-up all the loose ends.

(Th 12/06/2007 11:40 AM: Revised and reworded, because it's my blog and I can do whatever I want.)

Season's Greetings - Love, Gordon

Gordon and her new seven-foot cat toy, originally uploaded by sweber4507.

It took all night, but Scott finally got Gordon to sit still for a long exposure. She loves her tree. Poor indoor cat. She thinks the tree is real.

Man Vs. Wild: West Hollywood

Funny spoof of Scott's psuedo-boyfriend: (probably NSFW)

(Hat Tip: Queerty.com)

BTW, apparently the Bear Grylls fans are very defensive. The last time I posted criticism of Grylls, I received my first hate letter via a blog comment.

Christmas tree is up!

Scott and I splurged and got our first Christmas tree! (Shhh, don't tell anyone in Oregon, but it's artificial.) It is GE's "Fresh Cut" model which actual looks somewhat real (well, if you squint your eyes and are a little drunk). We didn't want to deal with needles and disposing of a dead tree.

Here are Scott's photos:

Red Ornament, originally uploaded by sweber4507.

White Ornament, originally uploaded by sweber4507.

Ornament Reflection, originally uploaded by sweber4507.
See Scott in the reflection.

Scott's beautiful fall pics

Scott has been taking these beautiful fall pictures:

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Japanese Garden
The colors at the Japanese Garden are unbelieveable. I can't believe I've only been to the garden this year.

Japanese Garden, originally uploaded by sweber4507.

IMG_2488.JPG, originally uploaded by sweber4507.

Japanese maple at Japanese Garden, originally uploaded by sweber4507.

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Silver Falls State Park
We drove down to Silver Falls State Park south of Salem a few weeks ago.

One of the falls at Silver Falls, originally uploaded by sweber4507.

Another falls at Silver Falls, originally uploaded by sweber4507.

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Laurelhurst Park
Beautiful Laurelhurst Park in the middle of the city.

Laurelhurst Park, originally uploaded by sweber4507.

Geese, seagulls, and ducks at Laurelhurst Park, originally uploaded by sweber4507.

Pond at Laurelhurst Park, originally uploaded by sweber4507.

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Downtown Portland
Scott discovered these scenes of fall around Downtown Portland.

North Park Blocks, originally uploaded by sweber4507.

IMG_9660.JPG, originally uploaded by sweber4507.

Rainbow from our window., originally uploaded by sweber4507.

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There are many, many more beautiful pictures on Scott's Flickr account.

Special Election 2007: meh

Just for the record, I vote last weekend in yesterday's special election. Annoyingly, the two state measures are goals the Democrat-led legislature and governor were unable to pass, so they referred the measures to voters.

OR Measure 49: Modifies Measure 37; clarifies right to build homes; limits large developments; protects farms, forests, groundwater.	Voted Yes. Measure Passed
OR Measure 50: Amends Constitution: Dedicates funds to provide health care for children, fund tobacco prevention, through increased tobacco tax.	Voted Yes.	Measure Failed

kitty cartoon

Ugh. I caught Scott's cold and feel miserable. However, Sheena sent me this cartoon which made my day. Scott and I experience this cartoon every day at 3:00 or 4:00 a.m.:

2007 scary movie day

Scott and his friend Paula have an annual Halloween season tradition in which they screen a day's worth of bad and awful scary movies. Sheena, Scott's co-worker Heather, and I joined the festivities. I'm not a fan of the horror/thriller movie genre, but I'm all for laying around all day. Here's the highlights of the movies we saw:

• Andre the Butcher: Amateur slasher movie starring infamous porn star Ron Jeremy. It was a funny self-effacing movie which blatantly included many of the standard teenage horror movie cliches such as gratuitous breasts, a lesbian scene, and ill-timed sex etc. It was a good, poor quality movie to start the festivities.
• Green River Killer: Another bad movie that was really bad in the worse ways. We thought the movie would be scary since it was based on the real Green River Killer; however, the production was so poor that it was painful to watch. The sex scenes were too long, graphic, and uncomfortable to watch -- especially offensive and exploitive considering the scenes were based on real victims. The movie was so unwatchable, we turned it off after 40 minutes.
• The Gingerdead Man: A short and cute movie starring Gary Busey. This movie was bad in all the right ways. A ridiculous premise -- a vengeful 12-inch gingerbread cookie -- just wasn't very scary.
• Detour: I took a nap and missed most of this movie. However, it seemed like a good average horror picture.
• SLiTHER: By far, my favorite movie of the day. It starred Nathan Fillion playing a witty, guile-less hero, with country slang -- very similar to his character in Serenity. The alien-invasion movie had a lot of humor and one-liners.
• Vacancy: A recent thriller starring Kate Beckinsale and Luke Wilson. Although the movie started off slow and lacked humor, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

Elizabeth: The Golden Age: C

Elizabeth: The Golden Age, originally uploaded by nojam75.

Scott, Sheena, and I saw Elizabeth: The Golden Age on Sunday. Meh. Beautiful costumes and setting, but I'm not sure what the point of the story was.

sunrise from our window

IMG_8293, originally uploaded by sweber4507.

A few days ago, Scott and I noticed this incredible sunrise.

"WE'RE GOING THE WRONG WAY!"

I. Can't. Wait.

(Hat Tip: Galactica Sitrep)

The Simpsons Movie: A

MaggieVsMrTeeny, originally uploaded by nojam75.

Last night, Scott and I watched The Simpsons Movie at The Mission. It was great! 'Best episode ever!'

whirlwind OR tour with Scott's sisters (updated)

(Now that my computer is back, I'll try to catch-up on what I would have previously blogged about.)

Scott's sisters visited us for a long a weekend, so we packed nearly everything possible in that four days.

Hope at Multnomah Falls. Originally uploaded by sweber4507

Lacy in classic Charlie's Angels pose. Originally uploaded by sweber4507

FRI 09.14.2007
COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE AND LOST LAKE

Columbia River Gorge from Crown Point Originally uploaded by sweber4507

Multnomah Falls (lower) Originally uploaded by sweber4507

Lacy wading into Oneta Gorge Originally uploaded by sweber4507

Oneta Falls Originally uploaded by sweber4507

Trail around Lost Lake (aka the endless death hike). Originally uploaded by sweber4507.

Somehow this hike and 90-minute drive back to Portland, Scott and I managed to make an appearance at his company's huge beach party fundraiser shin-dig in The Pearl. Although we were too tired to really enjoy it, the party was amazing.

Lost Lake just outside of Mt. Hood. Originally uploaded by sweber4507.

SAT 09.15.2007 DEPOE BAY

Cute Depoe Bay harbor seal demanding fish scraps Originally uploaded by sweber4507

Somewhere in the Pacific. Yes, we finally had a successful whale watching cruise, but unfortunately no pictures. Originally uploaded by sweber4507

Sunset from Boiler Bay. Regrettably, I didn't accompany Scott when he took this picture. Originally uploaded by sweber4507.

SUN 09.16.2007 YAQUINA HEAD LIGHTHOUSE, NEWPORT, HECETA HEAD LIGHTHOUSE

Weather beaten, nautical bench at Cape Foulweather.Originally uploaded by sweber4507.

Yaquina Head Lighthouse. Originally uploaded by sweber4507

Yaquina Head Lighthouse. Originally uploaded by sweber4507

Watching the sea lions at the Newport bay front., originally uploaded by sweber4507.

Big creepy Japanese spider crabat the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Originally uploaded by sweber4507	Jellyfish at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Originally uploaded by sweber4507
Sea anemone at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Originally uploaded by sweber4507	Aucklet at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Originally uploaded by sweber4507
Lacy and Hope on the beach below Heceta Head Lighthouse. Originally uploaded by sweber4507	Rocks below Heceta Head Lighthouse. Originally uploaded by sweber4507

Heceta Head Lighthouse, originally uploaded by sweber4507.

Kitty outside of the lightkeepers house. Originally uploaded by sweber4507

Lighthouse trail. Originally uploaded by sweber4507

Heceta Head Lighthouse, originally uploaded by sweber4507.