random blurb time (5-13-10)

*the semester is over! finished my first year @ LU as a transfer-senior. time truly flew by

*2 back-to-back all-nighters during finals this past week = REALLY screwed up sleep schedule. i'm not a fan of this nocturnal business... unless I take up fighting crime while I'm wide awake @ 3am

•  side-note: if I never drink another Starbucks energy drink, I think I'll be completely okay

*my beloved Flip Video camera was recently stolen, so any new videos will be delayed until I'm able to buy a new one. it's an unfortunate set-back, but hey... it's just a material possession that can be easily replaced

*the more that I play first-person shooters & multi-player strategy games... the more I realize that I'm just not cut out to be an up-to-date video-game nerd. however, just gimme a Super Nintendo or an N64 and I will absolutely dominate

*the new LSM (Liberty Student Ministry) student center opened for the youth this past Wednesday night @ Liberty Baptist, and I've heard nothing but crazy-enthusiasm for how awesome it is. God is doing HUGE things in that ministry, and I can't wait to be a part of that this summer

*speaking of which, I start working with LSM this coming Monday! Sunday, unofficially, with it being the first Sunday in the new student center. it's going to be incredible.

*experienced Iron Man 2 twice so far, and aiming for one more viewing in IMAX once I get home

*what TV shows have YOU been watching this season? have they been up-to-par with what you expect from them? I've been watching The Office, 24, Chuck, Smallville, and Community... and I would dare say it's been a great season of TV. quite a few season finales coming up soon, too

*the drop in temperature lately has been a welcome change. i love wearing hoodies. that is all.

**I still have a significant amount of packing to do before I load up and head home tomorrow... so on that note, back to the boxes & plastic bins I go!

Hmm... real or fake?

I stumbled upon this video in my daily internet browsing... and I must say, I am very intrigued. The subject of this video isn't something I can just accept on face value. I need proof, or at least the critical feedback of others... maybe even some scientific facts thrown into the mix.

But first.. you need to watch this! Then lemme know what you think. Real or FAKE?

 

Movie Review: Iron Man 2

Another long-awaited movie has arrived, and it's already making big money overseas (it was released internationally on April 28th)... yes indeeeeed, RDJ / Favreau and friends are back. Of course, I went to see the midnight premiere last night... and was pleasantly surprised to see so many people come out, in a typically quiet college town (after midnight... haha)

Anyways! What did I think of the movie?

As expected, I loved it. It was yet again a truly unique comic book movie experience... with a top-notch cast, witty dialogue, and fantastic action sequences & special effects. I was a bit thrown off by how dialogue-heavy this sequel was, but that's not to say it was bland or boring... it was just more than I expected. Luckily there was enough character development and explosive fight scenes to balance everything out, and I thought the overall pacing of the movie was realistic & entertaining. Tony Stark is a truly troubled individual, physically/psychologically... and I love how Robert Downey Jr. has brought that to the screen in both movies, so far. I'm really eager to see how he interacts with Captain America (Chris Evans) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth), with Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury most likely trying to (frustratingly) direct these 3 super-powered icons in The Avengers movie in 2012. As far as the supporting cast: Paltrow was great once more as Tony's right-hand lady, Scarlett Johannson was a quality addition... especially when thrown into the action, Mickey Rourke / Sam Rockwell were excellent villains... although somewhat underused, and Favreau pulled double-duty again as director/actor... playing Stark's chauffeur Happy Hogan in some quality moments of the film.

For the comic-geek viewing audience : I really enjoyed the extended presence of SHIELD and Jackson's Nick Fury, and the scattered Marvel-universe references & "easter eggs" (intentionally placed and/or hidden stuff that you'd easily overlook unless you knew it was there). Look closely at all the monitors/maps/news footage during the scene towards the end when Stark meets with Fury. And OF COURSE stick around after the credits for an extremely cool reference to.... something. I won't spoil it here.

Overall: I gave the first Iron Man a solid 10/10, and I give Iron Man 2 a worthy 8.8/10

As Seen on TV - a tribute to doing it wrong

Compilation of all those exaggerated "doing-it-wrong" moments seen in cheesy (usually late-night) infomercials

random blurb time (4-30-10)

*it's officially "get my concert fix" week

• Sunday night I went to a free Four Year Strong concert @ Penn State (to close out a weekend spent with Abby!)
• last night I went to see Paramore and Relient K in Charlottesville
• aaannnd tomorrow night I'll be in the 757 @ my favorite concert venue (the Norva) to see Angels & Airwaves

*I should have kept a tally of all the miles I docked on the car thus far this week. I made it from PA back to Lynchburg in a record 5 hours and 15 minutes (possibly less).... without stopping once! my bladder-control is straight up ninja

*purchased my ticket for the midnite premiere of Iron Man 2 next week. let the summer movie season BEGIN! (also snuck a peek at the post-credits scene in the movie via Youtube.... I approve!)

*I want one of these!

 best potential side-kick.... ever?

*experienced some incredible jelly beans over the weekend. Buttered Popcorn, Strawberry Cheesecake, and Grape soda. mmmmm-licious

*the anticipation is building daily for the semester to be over, summer to begin, and my internship w/ LSM to kick into gear.... I can't wait!

*watch this - http://wimp.com/thoseninjas/ ... 'nuff said

*recently made aware of a new social-networking site on the scene (Empire Avenue). it combines your overall web-presence via Twitter/Facebook/Blogging and allows people to invest in "stocks" of you as an individual. Steven Sherman got me hooked. Access is gained by applying for a spot, or getting an invite-key from a current user (p.s. - I have 3 extra invite keys if you want one! lemme know)

*I refuse to try that new KFC Double Down "sandwich"

I'm a fan of an un-clogged heart... and being alive.

..... aaaaand on that note, it's time to wind down towards slumber

first-time experience

While visiting Abby this weekend in PA, we went to a carnival near the Penn State football stadium. Amidst all the rides, carnival games, and food vendors... there was one thing that stuck out like it never has before.

the FERRIS WHEEL

Was there something different about it compared to other ferris wheels? Did it look all shiny and neat? Was it faster than normal? Exactly why did this ferris wheel stick out to me?

Plain and simple.... I suddenly realized that I'd NEVER been on one before! It wasn't a case of fear, or dis-interest in riding one in the first place... I guess I just never thought about it until right then & there while roaming the carnival grounds with Abby. Without further delay, we snagged some ride-tickets and got on board. It also helped that we got there as the carnival was winding down.... so there wasn't a line! I'm a fan of sweet rides with no lines.

Side note: I also experienced the un-healthy glory of fried oreos for the first time on that same night. WOW... they were almost too amazing

Anywho, is there anything that comes to mind for YOU that falls under the category of something you've never experienced/eaten/watched.... for no other reason other than you've just never really thought about it? Post your responses in the replies!

new header!

just a quick post to point out the new header i made today while bored in class.... lemme know what you think!

*(i might try a couple more out in the days to come.... but then again, i might NOT)

now it's time to go snag this week's batch o' comics, and then head to class. God bless and have a fantastic day, rain or shine!