There's no love in your violence.
-- Kakihara from Ichi The Killer
An entry from today's Gizmodo caught my eye. The trailer for RoboGeisha is definately one of those movies that I've been missing out on. Blood, violence, blood, silliness, blood, and mayhem are pretty much standard in most Japanese horror or gore flicks.
Think of the many Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriquez films that are available nowadays. From Dusk Till Dawn, Planet Terror, and Kill Bill to name a few. Now put those movies on crack and you have Japanese minds such as Takashi Miike and Noboru Iguchi.
Because sane people dont have the imagination to make films such as these. WARNING: These are NSFW. They probably arent for weak stomachs either.
RoboGeisha
Machine Girl
I had seen this special before I saw the movie, but I definately have to agree with everyone's assessment of Takashi Miike's Audition. When I finally got to watch it, I was cringing madly while screaming "Holy shite! Holy shite!"
Is it no wonder so many American film-makers are remaking Japanese films?
Tell me something, my friend. You ever dance with the devil in the pale moonlight?
-- The Joker from Batman
Earlier, one of the few Neil Young songs I actually like came on while I was busy stuffing my face. I think the only reason I like it is because its probably the only Young song I can sing without butchering it too badly.
Harvest Moon by Neil Young
No, I'm wrong. I still butcher the hell out of it.
At least its one of those good old fashioned mellow songs that lasts the test of time as well as my pathetic attempts to sing.
The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time.
-- James Taylor
Death has been in news alot lately. David Carradine. Iran. Ed McMahon. Iran. Farrah Fawcett. Ir.. Wait! Michael Jackson?!
Yes, the King of Pop died today. Despite his truly strange antics, he did leave an imprint on the music industry and the world. His influence spanned across people and artists for generations.
There were video games made after him. His videos became a standard for future artists. Does anyone remember Captain Eo? How about the Filipino prison dance crew that danced to Thriller? The cover of Smooth Criminal by Alien Ant Farm is absolutely brilliant. The man became a parody for shows such as Mad TV and Family Guy. Jackson even played a part in the career of one Wierd Al Yankovic, who became well known after making parodies such as Eat It and Fat.
Lets face it. He'll be up there in the tabloids and soon, he will be sighted in a 7-Eleven grabbing a Slushee with Elvis. Then Vegas will be over-run with Michael impersonators, doing weddings and bar mitzvahs.
So instead of the typical tribute song, I opted for something slightly different. Here is a little music reflecting Jackson's influence, not only in the lyrics, but also in the fact that same guy, Wierd Al, directed the video.
Rockin' The Suburbs by Ben Folds
Tomorrow, it will be back to more serious business such as Iran and Korea. For now, its just a trip down memory lane and our little point in history.
Oh Ned, I'm scared. I'm dying. Don't tell nobody. Don't tell my kids, none of the things I done, hear me?
-- william Munny from Unforgiven
Today is Father's Day and while my own father and I dont have a brilliant relationship, he is still the patriarch of the family. I couldnt come up with any great ideas what to get him for this obvious Hallmark sort of holiday.
I thought perhaps this would help.
Well that would never happen so at least he got a consolation prize: a nice paper card. There wasnt much to say in it though.
"Hey Dad. What do you think about your son now?"
Take A Picture by Filter
At least, I included the envelope.
Wendy: Is Mike Hunt here? Has anyone seen Mike Hunt?
Meat: Everybody in town, from what I hear.
-- from Porky's
Today was one of those interesting days. Waking up at 5a and its already over 80 degrees means its going to make for long, hot day. The first MS training ride started at 7:30a and by then, it had already climbed to nearly 90. So when you are pedaling at 20mph, the wind is a blessing and a curse.
Still, it was damn good ride, especially when several of the teams formed large pacelines along the road. Being in a line with 10 to 15 riders makes a huge difference.
Well, that and there was beer at the end of the ride. Beer before 11a. What a concept.
So then add on the Asian Pride Day that was going on downtown. The heat has gotten to 100 by this point and what do you do? You stand out in an open venue with little shade and stand around booths.
I felt bad for the people working the booths. They were sweating up a storm and couldnt really do anything about it. A few of them got even with the tourists though.
They made us stand in line while we waited for the most excellent food, especially for the smoked pig. And yes, thats a full cooked pig. Doesnt it look good?
It tasted really good too.
So no matter how much we complained about the heat, it was nothing to what he felt.
I remember how hard it was when I realized my father was a son of a bitch. I can't imagine what it must be like when you realize you raised one.
-- Jack McCoy from Law and Order
Gran Torino is an absolutely brilliant film. It reminded me of so many things on different levels: how I see my own family, my heritage, today's youth, the generation gaps.
I highly recommend this movie, especially if you arent Asian. Gran Torino is not the action-oriented film that the ads make it appear. Its definately alot more deeper than that.
Gran Torino by Jamie Cullem
Time to man up.
If you shoot at mimes, should you use a silencer?
-- Stephen Wright
Mermaid and I were talking yesterday and from what we've gathered, she is a mime screamer, while her husband does his best work inside the mime box. So to speak.
I have no idea where I am going with this, but after I thought about it more, this song kept popping into my head.
Voices Carry by Til Tuesday
Thats it. I'm definately brain damaged.
With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come.
-- Shakespeare
I feel bad for anyone who sits by me at the office the past few days. I've been listening to Robert Schimmel and not doing a very good job of keeping the laughter down. Its not uncommon to get the strange look from passerbys as I snicker away, making the vain attempt to get work done.
Schimmel is definately not for the faint of heart or those that cant take a joke. The video is NSFW and make sure the kids are asleep.
Anyone want a popsicle?
I have lived long enough to satisfy both nature and glory.
-- Julius Caesar
Oh. My. God. When I saw this picture, I broke out laughing like a madman. Granted, I do that all the time, but nevermind that.
This reminded me of days gone by, when I had a car where the windows didnt come down, and our group of friends finished having Mongolian bbq for dinner. I was at a point in my life where I had never seen a grown man claw at a window furiously, trying to escape a moving vehicle, screaming madly "Oh dear God! Open a window! Open a window!"
Oh those were the days.
At some point later on, I'll have to tell you the story about Mountasia. Ha!
Being a child at home alone in the summer is a high risk occupation. If you call your mother at work thirteen times an hour, she can hurt you.
-- Erma Bombeck
Summer is coming upon us once more. If it werent for the all the parental type folks around me, I wouldnt even notice. But when the season is here, the song The Boys of Summer always pops in my head.
I know some people will call this blasphemy, but I prefer this version as opposed to the original by Don Henley. It just wants to make you rock.
The Boys Of Summer by The Ataris
On the other hand, the cover by DJ Sammy makes you want to dance.
Dont laugh. Your daughter could be inside.
-- seen on bumper sticker
Once again, it was time for the Diabetes Association's Tour De Cure. Wind, sand, and heat make for really wonderful cycling weather. Especially the wind. And the heat.
Did I mention the wind?
For some odd reason, there were more accidents during the first day than the entire event last year. Team Blue had one rider that left with a broken foot. Another team had a rider get a broken clavicle. Another crash occurred when a rider was cut off by his girlfriend. He described the crash to us within earshot while he filled out an accident report.
Q: Describe nature of accident.
A: My girlfriend cut me off, made me fall over and go boom!
Q: Describe injuries
A: Really big boo boo! Cuts on my leg and arm. My hip hurts. The damage to my head doesnt count. That was like that before the accident.
Q: Name of provider that attended to the injuries
A: My girlfriend, who happens to be a nurse. It was her fault anyway.
Yeah, it was that kind of weekend, but it was definately worth it. The two day event is one of the few vacations I actually take. With my bad knee giving me grief throughout the ride, the whirlpool in the hotel room made the trip worthwhile. 
Cheers, mates. Time to heal and get ready for the next event.
I had to stop driving my car for a while. The tires got dizzy.
-- Steven Wright
I dont know how this came up, but the discussion for auto racing came up today. I'm not really a fan of Nascar. I have always been more into F1 and World Championship Rally. They always seemed to fit my style of driving.
This video has been around for a number of years, but its still one of the best around.
I may have to break out the old Colin McRae games.
If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten.
-- George Carlin
I had forgotten about this song. Now this would be something that would pretty damn good to play in Rock Band.
Pure Massacre by Silverchair
It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.
-- General George Patton
Its Memorial Day. Around this time, I tend to watch The Big Red One again. written and directed by Samuel Fuller, a WWII vet, this was one of the quintessential WWII pieces long before Saving Private Ryan and Band Of Brothers.
The words and scenes expressed have long carried what it meant to be a solder:
I'm gonna dedicate my book to those who shot, but didn't get shot. Because it's about survivors. And surviving is the only glory in war, if you know what I mean.
Honor those that did their duty. Many still bear the scars while others paid the price. And without them, we wouldnt be here.
I can't help you with what you must soon face except to say that the future is not set. You must be stronger than you imagine you can be. You must survive or I will never exist.
-- John Connor's message in The Terminator
From Least I Could Do
Terminator Salvation was pretty good, but you have had to watch all the prior movies for it to make a little sense.
My favorite thing about the Internet is that you get to go into the private world of real creeps without having to smell them.
-- Penn Jillett
This is a great video with a mix of Matrix Reloaded and Linkin Park. Hope you find it as brilliant as I did.
1STP KLOSR by Linkin Park
I've had this taste in my mouth before.
-- Mrs. Freidman from Hollywood Knights
I will admit that I am immature enough that I laughed at this one. Get over it.
It reminded me of that scene from American Pie where Stifler drinks the tainted beer. Heh.
The ironic part is that there really is a Chinese place called Fu King.
Did you hear? Kermit The Frog died today from the swine flu. His last words were "That fucking pig told me she was clean!"
-- from a recent conversation
I cant take credit for that since it was told to me. Nor can I take credit for the video below, which gives a new meaning to a lubejob. Some guy was even willing to open his mouth and swallow a load.
All I can say is I got your bacon bits right here, baby.
Hat tip: Gizmodo
Nobody cares for you anymore. You're tarnished and you're filthy.
-- Ghost from Perfect Blue
Satoshi Kon's masterpiece, Perfect Blue, is on. I've always loved the storyline and its notion of identity. At some point in time, you are asked "What do you do now?"
Protege Moi by Placebo
So, what now?
People who say they don't care what people think are usually desperate to have people think they don't care what people think.
-- George Carlin
I've been listening to a lot of Living Colour lately. Vernon Reid is ever the madman on the guitar while Corey Glover can still scream with the best singers. Their lyrics always struck a chord with me.
You feel the Earth revolving.
You See the Sun dissolving
And hear the night calling out to you.
You have no direction
You have no protection
What are you going to do
When your trip turns blue?
You come crashing down.
There is no help around.
You need friends.
You need help
But first you have to help yourself...
Desperate People by Living Colour
When it comes right down to it, its songs like this that best fits my mood as of late.
The Steward
