tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091469112039577212024-02-07T09:21:17.562-08:00JJsEntertainmentTelevision - Sports - Movies - Politics - What entertains YOU?Jason J Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680698859394881645noreply@blogger.comBlogger131125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-909146911203957721.post-89748383014878502492020-02-22T20:10:00.000-08:002020-02-22T20:10:33.493-08:00Jay's RulesBienvenidos, and welcome to my first post using my new chromebook. My rulebook is inspired my life experience as a #BlackARican, Gibbs' Rules from one of my all time favorite tv shows, NCIS, and my experiences and facebook conversations as a #StayAtHomeDad and home chef. Some of them are redundant/repetitive, and some are about the same topics/issues.<br />
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Pay no attention to the order or numbering. They only have numbers so I can keep track of them. And, this proud Papa can legit say that my son, Isaiah, sometimes likes to quote them to me or his Mama.</div>
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- It doesn't matter who has the bigger stick. Just hit first, and hit last. </div>
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-Toddlers lie.</div>
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- No one can afford to waste money. </div>
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-Keep your friends close, your family closer, and enemies can just piss off. Keep them as far away as possible.</div>
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-If you don't know the rules, change the game.</div>
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-Always finish strong. </div>
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-Family don't end in blood.</div>
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-Look them in the eyes, if you're actually listening.</div>
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-Quit while you're ahead. </div>
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-Stay in your lane.</div>
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-Never play a game if you don't know the rules. </div>
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-Your problems, are YOUR problems.</div>
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-The customer isn't always right. (In fact, the customer is usually full of shit.)</div>
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-Assume nothing.</div>
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-Always slice away from your body.</div>
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-Never trust anyone that doesn't trust you.</div>
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-Always trust your wife.</div>
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-We don't leave our people behind. </div>
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-Taste everything you cook.</div>
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-If it's for family, go ahead and lie, cheat, and steal.</div>
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-Never stick your hands or nose where it doesn't belong.</div>
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-Always have stovetop handles towards the inside of the stove.</div>
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If you're anything like me, you don't always follow your own rules. But theses are the rules. Follow them. You may avoid pissing off the most important people in your life. </div>
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Thanks for reading, and vaya con Dios!</div>
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*J</div>
Jason J Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680698859394881645noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-909146911203957721.post-43339373172520689482020-01-20T02:03:00.001-08:002020-01-20T02:03:06.204-08:00BatwomanI know I promised to post parts 2 and 3 of "Cancel, Renew, Bubble and Working My Last Nerves" shortly after I posted part 1. I still plan to. "Renew, Bubble, and My Last Nerves" are still on the agenda, but first I have to react an episode of 'Batwoman', and an article I read. Be forewarned. My thoughts and opinions will probably not be well received. Especially since I'm going to talk about gays and women, in television.<br />
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According to a mostly recent Gallup poll, (Summer, 2019), the average American guesses that around 20% of people identify as LGBQT or whatever. I guessed 10%. According to the same article, the actual number is closer 5%. For the sake of this conversation, I'm going to double that, to account for those still that choose to keep their orientation private. So let's call it, 1 out of 10 people are LGBQT.<br />
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My personal background and upbringing should confuse you. I'm Black and Puerto Rican. My wife is Sicilian and Welsh, our son is all of those. My sister married a white boy. My brother is half black, half white, married a white girl and made 5 kids. I'm conservative, Republicaan, but not a Trumper.<br />
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Are you caught up yet?<br />
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The articles I read explain the discrepancy between perception and reality. Over the past few years, it has become cool, trendy, and socially responsible to over-represent the LGBQT in popular culture. It's like, "Look at us producers! Look how 'woke' we are!<br />
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Here's where the whole thing falls apart. I'm a conservative, registered Republican, and I DO NOT CARE ABOUT YOUR SEXUAL ORIENTATION! Ellen, who I think is amazing, dswas the least entertaining right after she came out of the closet. We get it. Every other joke doesn't have to be a joke. It's lazy writing. Do better.<br />
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Batwoman, for cryin' out loud!!! Talk about heavy handed. This is the first episode after the Crisis, a 5 episode crossover event, spanning all 5 Arrowverse shows, and at least 6 other iterations of the DC Universe, culminating in them all joining forces in the last universe. And what do you suppose the first new episode is about? Batwoman's sexuality. Really?<br />
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"I'm gay," will never in a the multiverse beat out "I'm Batman's cousin, and yesterday I helped saved the Justice League. #GetTheFuckOutOfHere<br />
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I don't care if you're a gay, Batwoman. I don't care if you live in a ghetto #BlackLightning. I don't care if you're a black woman raised by Vulcans. I don't care if you're a black, lady, ,Ghostbuster. I don't care if you're a fake blonde, mad-person in a derelict police box.<br />
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All I care about is the 30-60 minutes I'm gonna watch tv, and whatever extra sleep I can squeeze in over the next 2 months.<br />
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<br />Jason J Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680698859394881645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-909146911203957721.post-62714833035542511252020-01-14T23:10:00.003-08:002020-01-15T09:23:57.922-08:00Cancel It, Renew It, On the Bubble, and 3 Franchises Working My Last Nerves: Part 1To quote a famous American from Detroit, "Back to reality, oh there goes gravity..." If you read this blog and know me, you know at least these few things about me. 1) I write in my journals, or text myself almost daily. 2) I then promptly forget to blog about it. Please email, text, tweet, or contact me via social media "#JustWrite". I need the encouragement. 3) I watch A LOT of tv, and movies and it's one of my favorite things to talk or write about it.<br />
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I'm not exaggerating when I say I have around 80 programs saved on my DVR, and several others watchlisted on various platforms, ie HULU, CBS, Netflix, etc. Now, some of those are sports teams, and some are programs that are on every day like The Tonight Show and Sportscenter. But what I'm going to #JustWrite about now is the shows I think need to go away forever ASAP, the shows that need to be renewed ASAP, some shows on the bubble, and a few franchises that have been working my last nerves. I'll try and keep this to a reasonable length. Actually, scratch that. I'm gonna break it up into parts, because it's just after midnight, and I have to be up in 5 hours.<br />
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<b><u>SHOWS THAT NEED TO GO AWAY</u></b><br />
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-Bob Hearts Abishola<br />
I've only seen a few minutes of this show. But the title is stupid. The premise is tacky, cliche and probably offensive. And frankly, nobody has given a rat's ass about Billy Gardell since Mike & Molly. Even then, Melissa Mccarthy carried the show, and as a result she's a Hollywood leading lady, and Billy is, well, Billy.<br />
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-God Friended Me<br />
Another example of an absolutely off-putting television series title. It screams "Hey, Millienals! We're aiming this show at you. Hey, everyone else! You will hate this. If it had been named "The God Account" possibly it would have been slightly less annoying. But even then, it'd still be a show about some millennial getting Facebook messages from God. Cancel this show yesterday.<br />
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-Supernatural<br />
I actually love this show, and am #SPNFamily in the twitterverse. The 15th and final season is now winding down and let's be fair. There doesn't see to be much more story to tell, except for the final wrap up. So tell Jeffrey Dean Morgan to take a couple of days off The Walking Dead, and let's send the Winchester boys off to Tahiti for a much deserved and needed vacation. (But maybe not Tahiti. Not sure if Coulson #Avengers would sign off on Tahiti, but who cares since that's in the Marvel universe.)<br />
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-Evil<br />
Here's a show about a forensic psychologist, an almost priest, and a computer nerd investigating demon possession and psycho-pathology. It needs to have a less absurd premise, or some humor. Because I already laugh about how stupid this show is, so they may as well do it on purpose.<br />
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-Emergence<br />
A little girl is apparently some kind of artificial intelligence. There's a cover up about it. No part of this show makes sense, and it should have been cancelled after the pilot. I only still watch it because I'm curious to know if they'll just quit with no real ending, or if they'll come to their senses and wrap it up before a completely disastrous extra season.<br />
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-Grown-ish<br />
Imagine a spinoff television show about obnoxious millennials. Now imagine you really like Black-ish, the show it spun off of. Now imagine every single character is 10 times more useless, and obnoxious than the most detestable millennial you've ever met. Lastly, imagine it's on Freeform, a cable channel that almost no one watches. And that's Grown-ish. It's appalling they could have filmed the pilot without saying, "Screw it. We'd rather spend our money on Gilligan's Island reruns.<br />
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-The 100<br />
I read the books and have seen every episode of this CW show. I can still only vaguely explain what it's about. I think a bunch of the last remaining humans, that aren't the actual last remaining humans, crash land on the last habitable human planet, that isn't actually the last human habitable planet. Also, they can transfer their consciousnesses to other bodies using magic. Or something. I don't know.<br />
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That's gonna have to do it for now. Thinking about these terrible shows makes me tired. Tomorrow I will work on parts 2 and 3 of this post. Shows that need to be renewed, shows that are on the bubble of figuring out what they're doing, and some current franchises that I like but are really pissing me off.<br />
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Thanks, as always for reading, and<br />
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<br />Jason J Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680698859394881645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-909146911203957721.post-82839360293234450972019-10-21T23:55:00.002-07:002019-10-22T12:56:32.399-07:00Premiere Season 2019Hello, again.<br />
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This is a super annoying post, because 1: It's been a long time since I've posted, and 2: My tablet is being difficult, so I'm posting via my cell phone. So, we'll see if my notebooks are sufficient references.<br />
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Every show I'm trying keep track of will get a brief review and maybe a letter grade. Thanks for reading/following.<br />
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Seal Team/S.W.A.T- SWAT is a slightly better show but honestly, if you've seen one, you've seen them both. Just decide whom you like better. Angel/Bones or Criminal Minds. They both get a C+, for being unoriginal.<br />
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The Neighborhood- Still very cliche, but worth 24 minutes. The 2nd episode was better, and Beth Behrs is one bad, white ,bitch. B<br />
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9-1-1- Great cliffhanger premiere. I'm watching anything with Jennifer Love Hewitt, but<br />
Angela Bassett and Aisha Hinds steal every scene. Props to the Black women! B-<br />
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All Rise- Probably the best new show on TV. I give it a B+, it's only lost points because I don't believe a judge in 2019 could ever be that liberal. I don't care if she's a black woman. It's not realistic.<br />
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Bull- B-. Bull is unlikable, Michael Weatherly is jammed up in real life, and there's no way they get a cab in New York City that quickly. But I still love the show.<br />
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NCIS- Ziva lost her bloody mind. We don't leave our people behind, and there's no way Ziva and Gibbs don't have an arsenal of weapons on stand by. A-, still one of the best shows on tv.<br />
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Emergence- This show is a piece of crap. The premise is inexplicable, the pacing makes no sense and the acting is barely passable. D<br />
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Empire- A. Terrence and Tariji get the Emmy's right now. Also, I love the fact that they wasted no time explaining Jussie Smollett's series exit. "He ran off to London. End of story." Solid A.<br />
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Mixed-ish- Nope. "Grown-ish" is unwatchable, so it's no surprise that the other "Black-ish" spinoff is terrible. Zack Morris nostalgia isn't enough. I'm Black and Puerto Rican, my son is Black Puerto Rican, Welsh, and Sicilian. Our level of mixed-ish can't save this dumpster fire. F<br />
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Treadstone- Meh. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't good. I'll give it a shot because I like Brian Smith (Stargate), and the Bourne series. A-<br />
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Black-ish- Marsai Martin (Diane) continues to steal every scene. Black-ish is still one of the best comedies on tv. Morpheus has a new wife. B+<br />
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Fresh Off the Boat- Consistently hilarious. I wish the entire cast were my cousins, and Constance Wu was my ex wife (Crazy Rich Asians). A<br />
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Stumptown- Cobie and Jake are amazing, I could imagine this show going for 7 years. Only question is, how much violence could happen in the middle of the day, in the middle of the street, with nobody noticing? A<br />
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FBI- Great twist having a Muslim bombing a Muslim owned restaurant. I have a crush on Missy Peregrym. B<br />
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The Masked Singer- This is one of the dumbest, most entertaining shows ever.Who is the celebrity masked singer? Turn your brain off and enjoy it. B+<br />
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Chicago Fire- They killed off Otis. I'm not happy. But the "OneChicago" crossovers are epic. (Even though I don't like medical dramas.) A<br />
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Chicago PD- Adios, Anne Heche. I will not miss your character. Jason Bethe is a BMF. A<br />
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The Good Doctor- Shaun is an autistic surgeon, but I find him more agreeable than most people I know. It must feel so liberating to outwardly dislike people sans regret. B-<br />
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Saturday Night Live- Woody was mildly entertaining, Billie Eilish kinda boring. The best part was, by far, Keenan impersonating Bug Papi for 'Weekend Update'. "Whatever doesn't kill you, makes you wanna kill the person who tried to kill you." B-<br />
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Blue Bloods- My favorite show on TV. Solid stand alone episode, but Callie Thorne plays an extremely annoying, wackjob, psychic again. B+<br />
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Magnum- Higgins is one bad bitch. I hope she sticks around as Magnums's partner. Katsumoto spends the entire episode pissed off at Magnum, but delivers one of the best lines of all my shows. "Leave, before I arrest you for giving me a migraine." A<br />
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Hawaii 5-O- Scott Caan should be in every episode, if only so Steve can say "Book 'em Danno." Otherwise it was a totally forgettable one and done episode. C+<br />
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God Friended Me- I have no idea how this terrible show, with a terrible title, lasted a full season, let alone renewed for a second season. Spare yourself the wasted 42 minutes and do absolutely anything else. F+<br />
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NCIS:LA- "I love it when a plan comes together." Kensi Worth it if only for the A-Team reference. Also a pretty action packed episode. B<br />
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The Rookie- Quickly becoming one of my favorite shows. Nathan Fillion is amazing. It is also quickly going to make no sense if this old rookie doesn't make detective in the next season. And his new training officer has got to go. I hate her.<br />
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Thanks for reading/following. Watch one of my shows and tell me your thoughts. I promise to get back to you sooner or later. Buenas noches.<br />
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<br />Jason J Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680698859394881645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-909146911203957721.post-18212477995757310122019-05-01T11:52:00.002-07:002019-05-01T11:52:23.744-07:00SpoilersIt's been a minute since I've posted, but with all of the sci-fi madness going on I had some thoughts about spoilers. Please, everyone stop complaining about spoilers. If you want to completely avoid spoilers, it's very simple, and totally impossible. Just turn off all of your internet compatible devices, your tv, and don't speak to anyone, until you've watched whatever it is you don't want spoiled. If you can't do that, do everyone a favor, and QUIT YOUR BITCHING!<div>
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That said, here are some spoilers. If you don't like it, go live under a rock, and stay there until, I don't know, forever.</div>
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If your life has been ruined by spoilers, your life sucks. Start over.</div>
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1. Sam never leaps home. #QuantumLeap</div>
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2. He's dead the whole movie. #The6thSense</div>
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3. Gilligan and the castaways get home for 2 minutes and ge re-stranded. #GilligansIsland</div>
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4. It's Jack's dream. #Lost</div>
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5. Time travel and stuff. #Endgame</div>
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6. Kevin and Winnie don't end up together. #TheWonderYears</div>
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7. Vader is Luke's father, Leia is his sister, she has a kid with Han, the kid kills Han. #StarWars</div>
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8. It was all just about playing catch with his dad. #FieldOfDreams</div>
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9. I inherit the Iron Throne, black-a-Rican from Chicago. #GameOfThrones</div>
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10. Jesus dies, but comes back. #TheBible</div>
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Sorry I spoiled your life. Please feel free to never contact me about it. But, thank you for spending a minute reading my blog. Until next time, in case I don't see you, good afternoon, good evening, and goodnight.</div>
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Jason J Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680698859394881645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-909146911203957721.post-26248110278680134562019-02-11T16:04:00.002-08:002019-02-11T16:05:40.051-08:00Designated HitterI didn't plan on making a blog post. But, a buddy tagged me on social media, I responded, and then decided my response was worth sharing. Follow Mike on twitter @procm2 or Mike Prochaska on FB.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #eff1f3; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The reason you remember these great examples of pitchers hitting (Wood) is because it's anomalous. His career batting average is .171. So despite every dinger he got, he failed to get on base 1/5th of the time, and struck out a third of those. And he's</span></span><span style="background-color: #eff1f3; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> one of the better hitting pitchers. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #eff1f3; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm not totally on board for the DH in the NL. I think the league differences make the game more interesting. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">But if there has to be a change, only 2 things make sense. Eliminate the DH completely (never gonna happen), or integrate it into the NL.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">But seriously, just leave it be.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #eff1f3; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eff1f3; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">That was my response to a friend's post. Now, you get my add-on thoughts about the DH.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eff1f3; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eff1f3; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's called "specialization". It occurs in every profession. I am professionally a Stay at Home Dad, and a bartender. I also dabble as a homechef. My brother installs and repairs garage doors. My wife teaches high school English. My brother is not gonna quote Shakespeare. My wife is not gonna make a 'Moscow Mule'. And I, sure as shit, am not fixing anyone's garage.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eff1f3; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eff1f3; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In baseball, you don't expect your third baseman to pitch. Your catcher doesn't just jump in at shortstop.You sure don't burn a starting pitcher to start at second base or maybe outfield, though it happens in an emergency. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: #eff1f3; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;">If you might be a hundred pound slugger, be a DH. If you can throw a 100 mph fastball and a curverball that falls off the table, become a closer. If you can throw 200 pitches for strikes you're a starter. That's what they pay too much money to do. And it's hilarious when they're asked to step outside their lane. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eff1f3; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #1d2129;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v31OsQ3osWw</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eff1f3; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #1d2129;">Side note, after that pitiful excuse for a Superbowl, I'm very happy that pitchers and catchers report to spring training tomorrow.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eff1f3; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #1d2129;">Mahalo, </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eff1f3; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #1d2129;">Jason</span></span></div>
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Jason J Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680698859394881645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-909146911203957721.post-71983280348361810812018-11-23T21:38:00.003-08:002018-11-23T21:38:42.671-08:00If I Ever Wanted to Be An Actor<div>
I never wanted to be an actor. In junior high school, and high school, you could most expediently find me on the basketball court, tennis court, the weight room, or the track. I actually thought that my 5'6", 130 lbs, black ass could play any professional sport. Obviously, I was delusional. After reality caught up with my athletic ambition I went back to the arts, joining show choir, theatre, and other artsy-fartsy stuff that would never earn a paycheck. That's when I remembered that English, Spanish, and Physics were the only classes I ever enjoyed. (I should have been a writer on Star Trek.)</div>
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So in college, I decided I wanted to be a writer. Clearly, I meant, "I like writing, I'm going into the service industry." I'm an unemployed bartender now. But I like to write fiction in my head, for instance, "If I Ever Wanted to Be An Actor". So, since barely anyone is gonna read this anyway, and a good friend, chasing his dream, is in town from California, I thought I'd share my thoughts on "If I Ever Wanted to Be An Actor". Keep in mind, I'd rather be a writer than an actor, and I have no desire to be an actor. But, if I did, the following are 13 famous roles that would be absolutely perfect for me.</div>
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In no particular order:</div>
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-Jules Winnfield </div>
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An angry, cursing, black dude? I can do that. "Say 'What' again, motherfucker."</div>
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-Willy Wonka</div>
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The Gene Wilder version, not the Depp version. The somersault at the the beginning, and the rant about Charlie cheating at the end. Both are very me.</div>
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-Daddy Warbucks</div>
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Long before the black version of Annie, I think I'd have given Jamie Foxx a run for his money. (I'm very arrogant.)</div>
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-Morpheus</div>
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Easy peasy. Hands behind my back, and use a deep version of my voice.</div>
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-Marty McFly</div>
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Skateboarding, wannabe rockstar. The only hard part would be re-casting every other character so that there are more black people. Or any black people (besides Mayor Wilson).</div>
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-Burton Guster</div>
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"Gus" from Psych had zero tolerance for white people nonsense. I could play that role by accident.</div>
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-Ironman</div>
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"Genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist." All I need is more smarts, more money, more money, and more money.</div>
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-Chandler</div>
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A sarcastic, asshole. I can do that.</div>
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-Doc Holliday<br />
Drink first, smart-ass comment second, fastest pistol in the west third. Sounds like me, if I had a gun.</div>
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-Dre Johnson</div>
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I have to remind some of my friends that I'm Black and Puerto Rican. No joke, one of my closest friends through jr. high and high school thought I was Mexican until college.</div>
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-The Scarecrow</div>
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I'd never be as good as Michael Jackson in 'TheWiz', but I bet my "If I Only Had a Brain" would merit a high school TONY award.<br />
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-Vizzini<br />
My favorite movie, and the most obnoxious character ever. My wife can attest to this one.<br />
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-Henry Hill<br />
Goodfellas, "As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster." Thankfully, I know I'm not as smart as I think I am, and I'm not as stupid as Henry.<br />
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Honorable mention,<br />
-Fred Sanford<br />
Zero chill, zero filter, and prone to exaggeration.<br />
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What do you think? Can you think of any other characters I could portray? Comment below or text me.<br />
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Thanks for reading, and "If it wasn't for the Bronx this rap shit never would be going on."<br />
<br />
-J</div>
Jason J Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680698859394881645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-909146911203957721.post-30008119021919312662018-04-14T23:45:00.001-07:002018-04-14T23:45:59.038-07:00Top 10 Albums of All TimeA long-time, sometimes, friend of mine sent me one of those challenges on Facebook. Share your top ten favorite albums of all time in any order, post a picture, explain nothing, and tag ten friends. Well, I don't always follow directions the first time they are given, so...<div>
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1. If the Big Ten college conference can be comprised of 14 schools, my top ten can have 14 albums in it. </div>
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2. I'll post as many pictures as I feel. As I write this, it could be none, and it could be 20. I might throw some pictures in that have nothing to do with anything.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mRsr8ufk-ngEXRwHS51TjTAjhw9Q62bRfa782Ge4xsc3AcX0bEwto8lqPehwp1TubN8RZxpLTysuIkZ0VTt1nM_ZTVVPpmG31jRF75c8Tiq2HOqVQHxSaRa_RZPdu4vq-6CKmj7Ftz0/s1600/236313-Because-I-m-Happy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mRsr8ufk-ngEXRwHS51TjTAjhw9Q62bRfa782Ge4xsc3AcX0bEwto8lqPehwp1TubN8RZxpLTysuIkZ0VTt1nM_ZTVVPpmG31jRF75c8Tiq2HOqVQHxSaRa_RZPdu4vq-6CKmj7Ftz0/s320/236313-Because-I-m-Happy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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3.I'm going to explain all of the albums right now, and maybe some individually. These are the first albums that popped into my head. I won't say that they are amazing pieces of art, but each one means something very important to me. Maybe it defined a specific time of my life. Maybe it shaped the way I think of music. Maybe I once traveled back in time and got to see this album being recorded, or concert performed. Whatever it meant to me, it meant to me. I can change this list at any time, but this is what popped into my head, at one moment in time.</div>
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4. Easter Eggs - "Easter Eggs" are a film reference, where the producer slips in tiny references to other things he likes for the audience to notice, or not notice. I may do that. Or not do that.</div>
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5. Piss off if you don't like the order.</div>
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6. I'm not tagging 10 friends. Or 14. For me and most of the friends I'd tag, this would cause a major source of anxiety. Proof of this, I'm writing at almost one o'clock in the morning.</div>
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1. The Foo Fighters- Skin and Bones</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAHu4-K1UHLZC_z-cQ2hU0fj4xgxi0WiOCPF_-8JqyzmVYMuLUiIxpqNZCNpknOTeXmKqkyHurNusHAdwjgLHMdFcMKut6O2UaxR2wJ21IhdQ940J6b90lMFUQLYSqlkfDrb2DOfuj48/s1600/FFSkinBones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAHu4-K1UHLZC_z-cQ2hU0fj4xgxi0WiOCPF_-8JqyzmVYMuLUiIxpqNZCNpknOTeXmKqkyHurNusHAdwjgLHMdFcMKut6O2UaxR2wJ21IhdQ940J6b90lMFUQLYSqlkfDrb2DOfuj48/s1600/FFSkinBones.jpg" /></a></div>
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One of the best live albums of all time.</div>
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2. Tupac- All Eyez on Me</div>
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3. Dave Matthews Band- Busted Stuff</div>
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4. Dave Matthews Band- Crash</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoXT8iDlVQxpxFGbqs8ZcgMAzuEbG-1vktIyEm0ByYNwae8wRUffHrrOW-8gsDD5LOQ-THVlchijj-IZf4JwMD_2eueBbpw-gJq5eLIdcJBKseWqZBJrzvVehjK1tSd4-Jd_Y-yoIasw/s1600/fire+dancer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="425" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoXT8iDlVQxpxFGbqs8ZcgMAzuEbG-1vktIyEm0ByYNwae8wRUffHrrOW-8gsDD5LOQ-THVlchijj-IZf4JwMD_2eueBbpw-gJq5eLIdcJBKseWqZBJrzvVehjK1tSd4-Jd_Y-yoIasw/s320/fire+dancer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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5. Weezer-</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtq6mumsc9NpqGFcsbVZlHg7KWW7rRBLF0V4NzV-NZbmhxEoTb-QYUVS5NMTdv6FpwZMc_MUdtpV7aZQjG03Gzwm20x6KJpCF5PI1SHp9Q8mVPLJJPwH9KhyphenhyphenPRt1e-Ts1QESEWP3RHVEI/s1600/blue.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtq6mumsc9NpqGFcsbVZlHg7KWW7rRBLF0V4NzV-NZbmhxEoTb-QYUVS5NMTdv6FpwZMc_MUdtpV7aZQjG03Gzwm20x6KJpCF5PI1SHp9Q8mVPLJJPwH9KhyphenhyphenPRt1e-Ts1QESEWP3RHVEI/s1600/blue.png" /></a></div>
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6. DC Talk- Jesus Freak</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwP-2zYEq5P_36Sc31wouYbAg8iyGJ0P47IHMIJjRbDxL3ilsFc4Cyy9UJjqVcVDPzWIf616YxX91KkvaJEkCWrVH-_2mWGeHSJmck7A-zDxkAzpww03IjP7yIUCmLNcCRp85VWYJ__JE/s1600/Smells-Like-Teen-Spirit-covers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="553" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwP-2zYEq5P_36Sc31wouYbAg8iyGJ0P47IHMIJjRbDxL3ilsFc4Cyy9UJjqVcVDPzWIf616YxX91KkvaJEkCWrVH-_2mWGeHSJmck7A-zDxkAzpww03IjP7yIUCmLNcCRp85VWYJ__JE/s320/Smells-Like-Teen-Spirit-covers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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7. Huey Lewis & The News Greatest Hits</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwNZLvfwF6_8ylL9kGf7ziLkpCGE7GDkaO9fdS_FDkg2lD1X_7rTu-HxCBalyRztxbMNZtYi_9ZFHFY3PDMADp2e_mKihPNwF0vywdrbnj5zwifYWknq2MdyAJFcFmiMabkeSYxYDpEA/s1600/back+in+time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="176" data-original-width="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwNZLvfwF6_8ylL9kGf7ziLkpCGE7GDkaO9fdS_FDkg2lD1X_7rTu-HxCBalyRztxbMNZtYi_9ZFHFY3PDMADp2e_mKihPNwF0vywdrbnj5zwifYWknq2MdyAJFcFmiMabkeSYxYDpEA/s1600/back+in+time.jpg" /></a></div>
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You're gonna have to go back to the 80's for this one...</div>
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8. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Greatest Hits</div>
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9. Jimi Hendrix- Band of Gypsies</div>
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10. Norah Jones- Come Away With Me</div>
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11. The Killers- Hot Fuss</div>
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12. Jay-Z</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha44JddAvCM9BS2YHS-_sRjcYYU9T0udfJnm84q6kwQ4m3GZQDljR0lg6zSlbgDvLz3plDQTKc2uDjKTy7tIM1pOW0_5gh5dk0cYiRLZimQkEeDQSobTCgsVvdZspw8mrzZ4bz7M5aoJg/s1600/Black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha44JddAvCM9BS2YHS-_sRjcYYU9T0udfJnm84q6kwQ4m3GZQDljR0lg6zSlbgDvLz3plDQTKc2uDjKTy7tIM1pOW0_5gh5dk0cYiRLZimQkEeDQSobTCgsVvdZspw8mrzZ4bz7M5aoJg/s320/Black.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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13. Dashboard Confessional</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUzdhIfW3JWo97Lz1sE8O22XIqm5YXfiwc1TdOkBYavTH7pTR5uoXVdPvSQjpD93IUfHfT0-1nW5ksbPgUnW-WKkD1Gt9zInU8pE1etPfMph8ShZ3Ex_46jF9cUV855iuEx9RF-y8hls/s1600/dashboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUzdhIfW3JWo97Lz1sE8O22XIqm5YXfiwc1TdOkBYavTH7pTR5uoXVdPvSQjpD93IUfHfT0-1nW5ksbPgUnW-WKkD1Gt9zInU8pE1etPfMph8ShZ3Ex_46jF9cUV855iuEx9RF-y8hls/s1600/dashboard.jpg" /></a></div>
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14. Jay-Z and Linkin Park- Collision Course</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4dx3poNBYaZREb0snELmrbPQCgM1ckoTObiKeab2mW8anrxkHa1WYOzjtktcwHiY2dXO6k-wcox-kmDeOJc8bxlPWmGIyCMc86ee8m8HAXpyNo5rPCwH6807XN1XWiwnZE-XpVfGAg70/s1600/20180415_003906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4dx3poNBYaZREb0snELmrbPQCgM1ckoTObiKeab2mW8anrxkHa1WYOzjtktcwHiY2dXO6k-wcox-kmDeOJc8bxlPWmGIyCMc86ee8m8HAXpyNo5rPCwH6807XN1XWiwnZE-XpVfGAg70/s320/20180415_003906.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My vinyl copy, thanks to my baby brother.</div>
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14. Rage Against the Machine- The Battle of Los Angeles</div>
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15. Michael Jackson- HIStory </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTltNIw-zoOxWo1Da9i5ZtEp9J7bhRkxWqP2JCySyxDI-d0Jbyi7X6scQT4PFl0cGmv_F8FpAnD0C9i5-NWlo_JJnZ1Rns9qIYEGS5-DlI6vj_XKFgo0F9OkUBBa9UafICZwNwK44m8fg/s1600/HIStory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTltNIw-zoOxWo1Da9i5ZtEp9J7bhRkxWqP2JCySyxDI-d0Jbyi7X6scQT4PFl0cGmv_F8FpAnD0C9i5-NWlo_JJnZ1Rns9qIYEGS5-DlI6vj_XKFgo0F9OkUBBa9UafICZwNwK44m8fg/s320/HIStory.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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#GOAT</div>
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Now, I'm not saying that these are the greatest albums of all time. I'm not saying that if you don't agree you have crappy taste in music, and are probably stupid. I'm not saying you belong in music hell. But, "There ya go."</div>
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There ya go,</div>
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J</div>
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Jason J Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680698859394881645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-909146911203957721.post-57523413256951130522017-11-13T20:40:00.004-08:002017-11-13T20:40:57.962-08:00Premeire Season 2017 Part 1Every year I try to write a blog post reviewing the season premieres of all the shows I watch, or am starting. This year is a little ridiculous, even foSr me. Hulu watch lists couldn't even keep up with me.<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwHGULus-LyPtuLKNZqr0iIYu2Ela_3T-W9TYc6ZIYqynn1KxedBoBxHeQAia4JNfwnsO0URendr4O3CI0F2B1-MEkcLCMe0tmtN7A3L-m1-uj5h5_kmGYl0-kny9wi0kiOu7iyOezSQ/s1600/20171113_211303+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwHGULus-LyPtuLKNZqr0iIYu2Ela_3T-W9TYc6ZIYqynn1KxedBoBxHeQAia4JNfwnsO0URendr4O3CI0F2B1-MEkcLCMe0tmtN7A3L-m1-uj5h5_kmGYl0-kny9wi0kiOu7iyOezSQ/s320/20171113_211303+%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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With new shows, shows changing nights, and some shows getting cancelled at the last minute, not even I care enough to write something about each one. So, instead, I decided to just do a gradebook for my shows, with maybe a sentence about any show that might need explanation. So, here it is.</div>
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The Orville, B-. All of the plot lines are ripped off from Star Trek, but Seth MacFarlane makes it funnier and fresh. </div>
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Star Trek Discovery, C+ Ok premiere, but I'm not paying money to watch the following episodes.</div>
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Gotham, A</div>
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The Brave, A-</div>
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The Good Place, B</div>
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Bull, B</div>
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The Good Doctor, A The first medical show I've enjoyed since... ever.</div>
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Lethal Weapon, C It's gotten better since the season premiere.</div>
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Kevin (probably) Saves the World, A</div>
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Chicago PD, A+</div>
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Law & Order SVU, A-</div>
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NCIS, B</div>
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Designated Survivor, B+</div>
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Marvel's Inhumans, C</div>
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Saturday Night Live, C+</div>
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The Gifted, B</div>
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Young Sheldon, C+</div>
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Brooklyn 99, B</div>
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Seal Team, A-</div>
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Empire, B+</div>
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Chicago Fire, B</div>
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The Last Ship, B Doesn't matter because the show already got cancelled.</div>
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MacGyver, C+</div>
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Hawaii 5-O, A+</div>
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Blue Bloods, A</div>
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Criminal Minds, A-</div>
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NCIS LA, B</div>
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Black-ish, B-</div>
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Fresh Off the Boat, B-</div>
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Madam Secretary, B+</div>
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Once Upon a Time, D This show has gone off the rails. I said so, and some ex fans of the show responded, "That's still on?" Guess I didn't get the memo.</div>
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Wisdom of the Crowd, A Nice to have Jeremy Piven back on tv.</div>
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The Flash, C</div>
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Supergirl, B</div>
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Legends of Tomorrow, D+ This show is going to be gone soon.</div>
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White Famous, B+ Smart, funny show, but it's on Showtime. I doubt I'll ever see the second episode before it gets cancelled.</div>
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S.W.A.T, A+ 70s show, gets remade into a crappy action movie, then gets remade into the best new cop show of the year. Yes, please.</div>
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Me, Myself, and I, B I'm gonna miss Bobby Moynihan on SNL, but this show is smart and funny. Because I like it, it'll probably get cancelled by Christmas.</div>
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Drop the Mic, D- DO NOT WATCH THIS SHOW!</div>
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Stranger Things, A Only disappointing because there isn't more to watch at the end of the short season.</div>
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Mindhunter, A+ Great Netflix show. Wish there were more episodes.</div>
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Final note; Valor, The Brave, Seal Team, and SWAT are all pretty similar shows. Here's what distinguishes them. Valor isn't very good. SWAT takes place in an American city (LAPD). And, Seal Team is better than The Brave.</div>
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Final, final note; I'm still behind on The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead, and Game of Thrones, so I have no thoughts on them yet.</div>
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To anyone that actually read this, thank you. I pray for you.</div>
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-J</div>
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Jason J Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680698859394881645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-909146911203957721.post-74842800877658243592017-11-08T23:58:00.002-08:002017-11-08T23:58:23.760-08:00One of those "Stay At Home Parent" Days...Long time, no blog post. I've been busy with the new routine that comes with my son, Z, now attending preschool, a new house, and my wife working at a new job. She's still teaching, but at a different school. At the great suggestion of another stay at home dad, twitter handle @procm2, here's the madness that happened today. (Side note, I've switched to calling my son "Z" to lessen his presence on social media.)<div>
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It started yesterday, which should have been a warning to me. Tuesdays always suck for some reason. My son, Z, came home from pre-k with his winter coat literally safety pinned together, because the zipper broke. I thought I repaired it when we got home, and he wore it normally this morning when we left for school. When I picked him up it was zipped to the neck, with all of the zipper prongs below undone. He looked like a movie stereotype, Mexican gangster, in one of those thug flannels. And, it's cold, and were walking. No carpool today. But that's skipping the rest of the morning.</div>
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Little background here. I'm not a morning person, neither is Z, and neither is Rory, our puppy. Z is also getting over a nasty cold. Mucus everywhere, tantrums, and general acting out all morning. </div>
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My wife leaves early in the morning and our usual routine is that he comes to bed in the morning with me. He can have his "tiny screen", a kindle fire, to play games or watch cartoons, while I try to sleep another hour or two. Not today. Today he suddenly didn't know how to work the Kindle, go the the bathroom, or do anything without a long winded, incoherent, toddler speech. So we got up early.</div>
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Next came Z's issues, combined with Rory The Dog issues. Z wanted to play with Rory, Rory didn't want to play with anyone. When that happens, Z gets frustrated. Starts yelling at me and the dog, throws dog toys at the dog, hits the dog, and hides from me because he knows that behavior is unacceptable. I told Z that if he didn't stop, Rory was going to bite him, I'd let her, and I wasn't going to kiss any boo boo's.</div>
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Then it was time to get ready for school. I didn't put enough jam in his cottage cheese. Tantrum. I chose the wrong socks. Tantrum. I picked the wrong pants. Tantrum. I put Rory in the backyard. Tantrum. </div>
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So I went out to bring the idiot dog back inside before we walk to school (no carpool today). Our yard isn't that big, but has anyone ever tried to chase a small dog, breeded for herding? I damn near just left her out there to be cold and hungry. When I did get her inside, Z was upstairs. He emptied a box of tissues all over the place, because he knows Rory will eat them, and it's bad for her. He also pushed a chair down the stairs, because he knows he's not supposed to move furniture. Last phase of leaving for school was two tantrums. He suddenly couldn't keep his gloves on properly, and he didn't want to wear a warm hat. He had to wear a ballcap because I was wearing a ballcap.</div>
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Jump to pre-k pickup. His coat zipper is totally useless (read above), his ballcap is missing, and he's pissed because we're not carpooling with his best friend. Walking home I asked him what he wanted to eat when we got home. I gave him a bunch of options, all of which he said both Yes and No to. Get home and he doesn't remember what food he wanted. And, because he's whining, tired, and has a cold his responses were unintelligible to me. Tantrum.</div>
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Home. Eat. Toddler nap. Mommy comes home. Now we have to get ready for my friend (T) coming to stay over for the night. T is Z's godfather, and I've known him for almost 30 years. I'd already handled the kitchen, and some of the straightening around the house. Still to be done is setting up a guest bed, cleaning the bathroom, and finishing the straightening before T arrives and wife and Z go to bed. Somehow, while wife and I finish, Rory found some tissues to eat, and Z ran the toilet paper roll from the bathroom to almost his closet.</div>
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K goes to bed. T arrives. Me, T, and Z hang out for a bit. Day is over.</div>
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Let me be clear. I love being a stay at home dad. I don't always know what I'm doing, but it's the best job I've ever had. Sometimes it's frustrating, and sometimes I want to jump out of a window. But, it's rewarding beyond compare.</div>
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@procm2 also suggested I send out advice or tips out to other at home parents. The truth is, I'm forever trying to figure out what the hell I'm doing. But here's my 2 cents.</div>
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1. Follow my parent friends on twitter. I'm @JasonJoelSmith , just scroll though my friends, posts, groups, and connections. They know more than I do.</div>
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2. Be patient. I don't know of anyone that got an instruction manual with their kids.</div>
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3. Stock up on your favorite alcohol for those moments when you get a moment of quiet time.</div>
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4. Parenting advice and $2.00 can get you a ride on public transportation. Only YOU know your kid.</div>
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5. Don't forget to eat.</div>
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Thanks for reading as always.</div>
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Good night, and good luck,</div>
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-J </div>
Jason J Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680698859394881645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-909146911203957721.post-46135538286480168452017-06-01T01:17:00.001-07:002017-06-01T11:43:22.646-07:00Home Ownership and Stay-At-Home-DadWow, is this different.<br />
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Being a stay-at-home-dad is a special experience. As a new homeowner it goes to an entirely different level. As a home dad in an apartment, I had to make sure the kid was fed, and couldn't find a way to kill himself in a two bedroom apartment. In a new house, we, he, and the stupid-ass dog have a lot more ways to "fuck shit up".<br />
<br />
1. We had to flip, and replace some doorknobs. We had to put chains and clamps on the doors, cupboards, and fridge. We got a home security system. Part of it was to keep people out, most was to keep the child and dog in.<br />
<br />
2. It's like a Stepford Wives community the way they care for their lawns. Mowing, edging, and watering at least twice per week. This week neighbor said, "Don't worry. The patches where you planted seed will grow in. And te you did a good job trimming the bushees with shears." (We haven't gotten an electric hedge clipper yet.)<br />
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3. When the toddler and puppy get too quiet, I have to check 3 floors, 2 yards and a garage to see what the hell damage they might be doing.<br />
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4. I hate people and now have to get used to new people, neighbors.<br />
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5. Kid doesn't want to sleep in his bed anymore.<br />
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6. Kid and dog no longer know how to piss or shit where they're supposed to.<br />
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7. Every solicitor comes here first, because they know we are the new homeowners.<br />
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8. 80% of our neighbors are asshats.<br />
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9. Kate's commute is over an hour.<br />
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10. 5 blocks from the airport.<br />
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Now the best parts of being a new homeowner.<br />
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1. 5 blocks from the airport.<br />
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2. Almost all of our neighbors are cops, firefighters, and teachers.<br />
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3. The lawns are immaculate.<br />
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4. Lots more space to ignore, and be ignored by a toddler.<br />
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5. Friends and family are more willing to visit.<br />
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6. More space if we ever want to have people over.<br />
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7. More tv's.<br />
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8. No one has been shot lately in this neighborhood.<br />
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9. Laundry.<br />
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10. I feel like a grown-up.<br />
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These aren't the only positives or negatives of owning our new home. Just the first that popped into my head. Maybe I'll think of more, but I haven't posted in a long time. Maybe this will help me to write more often and more eloquently. Maybe not.<br />
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Until the future,<br />
JJ<br />
<br />Jason J Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680698859394881645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-909146911203957721.post-71355981076925204512017-01-10T21:34:00.000-08:002017-01-10T21:34:02.505-08:00Obama Farewell AddressI honestly didn't want to write about POTUS farewell address. Everything about our country's recent election has been so polarizing and divisive. I'm a registered Republican, that only voted in the primaries. I voted for Bernie. Trump was never gonna win IL, so I voted for the least of all presidential evils. <br />
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That being said, there was far too much entertaining journalistic value during Obama's farewell speech. Obama is such an amazing orator, and our country's political situation is so screwed, that I couldn't help but grab my journal and start scribbling my thoughts down.<br />
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1. The audience immediately started chanting "FOUR MORE YEARS!" Obama responded immediately, "I can't do that." My wife laughed and said, "Besides it being illegal/unconstitutional, Michelle Obama would probably kill him if he had a third term."?<br />
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2. Following up on my first thought. I didn't vote for Obama four years ago. I'd give him a third term over the clowns we had to choose between. Thanks, FDR and the constitution for term limits.<br />
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3. Obama mentioned that our country's forefather's vision was for a tolerant, equitable nation for all people. Maybe his speech writer forgot that black people were only legally 3/5ths of a person, and most of the 'forefathers' were slave owners.<br />
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4. I'm pretty sure that Obama almost quoted Sarek of Vulcan, Spock's father from Star Trek. "Challenge your preconceptions, or they will challenge you."<br />
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5. I believe that Joe Biden is a cartoon character. 'Family Guy' or 'The Simpsons' would be most appropriate.<br />
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6. Barack said the he isn't going anywhere in support of our country, now as a citizen. My bet is that he, (and the American people), know that Trump needs all the help he can get from someone actually qualified to do the job.<br />
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7. Remember that moment during the address when POTUS made fun of a special needs reporter, called Mexicans rapist job stealers, and all people of middle eastern decent terrorists? If you don't, that's because he didn't. We can just leave that for our president elect.<br />
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8. Muslim American???!!! I'd expect more from Obama. There's no such damned thing! Islam is a religion. No one has ever called me Catholic-American. I've never heard of a Buddhist-American, Christian-American, Jewish-American, Scientologist-American, Jedi-American, Hindu-American, or Pagan-American. I've been called African-American and I've never seen or been to Africa. Our heritage or religion does not determine how 'American' we may or may not be. Holy shit, Trump supporters are turning me liberal.<br />
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8. Last point. Sean Hannity had a pre-recorded "response" to Barack Obama's 'Farewell Address'. Ok.Sure. But you can't actually "respond" to a live address, in a pre-recorded video BEFORE it was broadcast. I have the 'Back to the Future' box set on dvd, I'd know.<br />
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As always, thank you for reading. <br />
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Salaam,<br />
-JJason J Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680698859394881645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-909146911203957721.post-55441812247909964212017-01-06T20:24:00.002-08:002017-01-06T20:24:59.139-08:00Shit Dads SayI never thought I'd be a stay at home dad, let alone a stay at home dad that Mommy could say something like, "Do you want me to get your father involved?" And the boy hides. And yet, I find myself saying all kind of cliché, sitcom phrases. When I was around 8, I told my dad I hated him. He laughed at me. Now, I'd like to share some of the hilarious things that shoot out of my stupid mouth, towards my son, wife, dog, and random others. I laughed a lot as I wrote in my journal.<br />
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At my Dog,<br />
-I swear to God, I'll put you on Ebay if you don't stop it.<br />
-Why don't you go get a damn job? Sniff for drugs at the airport. Lead a blind man. Join the K9 unit.<br />
-You know, they shot 'Old Yeller' at the end, right?<br />
-Stop barking. No one likes you.<br />
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At my son,<br />
-Pull up your pants. This is not a rap video.<br />
-No. Mommy quit. You're under my jurisdiction now.<br />
-"THAT'S MINE!" Nope. Mom and I own everything. You have NOTHING.<br />
-You can eat what I gave you, or starve. I don't really care right now.<br />
-Cry all you want. I'm immune.<br />
-Cry all you want, all I hear is "I need a nap".<br />
-Keep messing with the dog. Don't come crying to me when she bites you.<br />
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At my wife,<br />
-Sorry, babe. I was joking, you just don't have a sense of humor.<br />
-Wife asked me for a tissue. I tossed her a used tissue from my pocket. I laughed hysterically. She didn't laugh.<br />
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I also have a list of things I say to a combination of people, and some things I say under my breath.<br />
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At my wife, son, and dog,<br />
-If I have to stand up right now, NO ONE WILL BE HAPPY.<br />
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-Children are a gift from God, my ass! (My Dad always says children are a gift from God.)<br />
-I'll slap the taste out of your mouth.<br />
-Have you lost your damned mind?<br />
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Lastly, a phrase I use regarding my wife, my son, my dog, and Donald Trump.<br />
"Repeating yourself over, and over, and over again will not make your statements true."<br />
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Good luck, my friends. My 2017 be less crappy than 2016. Alpha Mike Foxtrot.<br />
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Jason J Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680698859394881645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-909146911203957721.post-89334606961088496492017-01-06T00:36:00.001-08:002017-01-06T00:36:29.054-08:00Bathroom CleaningThanks for welcoming the future, and remembering the past.<br />
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When I was growing up, me, my sister, and my brother had specific weekly chores. These were in addition to whatever we were also told to do. My sis had to dust and vacuum. I don't remember what my brother was in charge of. Part of me thinks he never did anything. He either was/is so stupid he couldn't be trusted to do anything, or he was/is an evil genius and figured out how to make it seem like he did something that he didn't. Jury isn't out on it yet. My weekly chore was to clean the bathrooms.<br />
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I know how to clean a bathroom. When I do it, I do it well, and beyond reproach. You could eat off the floor if it weren't for the cleaning chemicals. But bathroom cleaning has changed. Now, I'm a married man, with a three year old, and puppy. The reasons why I hate cleaning the bathroom are many.<br />
<br />
1) We have a three year old son.<br />
-It always smells like shit. Poopy pull-up diapers, soiled pants, shit accidentally spilled out of his pull-up, and a toddler trying to clean his training potty in the sink means you always have to worry about eye bleeding, vomit inducing smells that never should exist.<br />
-You could break your neck stepping on a bath toy. The days of taking a piss in the middle of the night are over. Have to be clear eyed to navigate darkness without breaking your neck on 'Lightening McQueen'.<br />
-Random and absurd messes. Yesterday I cleaned finger paint off the door and sink. After every bath there is bath crayon everywhere.<br />
-My razor is in the sink. I don't know how but it's there.<br />
-An entire roll of toilet paper has clogged the toilet. Again, don't know how, or why.<br />
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2) I live with a woman.<br />
-How are they not bald with the amount of hair that ends up in the tub, drain, sink and on the walls?<br />
-Why do splashes of makeup end up in every room of the house? Choose a room, and take care of you business there.<br />
-There's a glass in the medicine cabinet for hair pins. Why do I find pins on the floor, in my slippers, on the porch and in the car?<br />
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3)Puppy<br />
-Shred paper like it's your job, it's your food, or the antidote is in it.<br />
-Sniff out poop and try to eat it. I actually fell out of bed the other night because I had a dream she jumped into the toilet to eat poop.<br />
-Stupid dog can't figure out if I'm cleaning, pooping, or getting ready to give her a bath. She just dances back and forth, in and out of the bathroom. If I'm cleaning she's not interested. If there's defecation she wants to watch, like a creep. If it's time for a bath, she hides.<br />
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So, needless to say, cleaning the bathroom is no longer something I find a quick and easy chore. I'd almost prefer shoveling snow. Almost.<br />
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Thanks for reading a rant. I'll talk to you soon. Maybe after I buy a house and shotgun.<br />
<br />
-J<br />
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Jason J Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680698859394881645noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-909146911203957721.post-38517603323995083852016-12-07T11:28:00.001-08:002016-12-07T11:28:12.708-08:00#ParentingWhat a crazy thing it is to be a parent. My son will turn three years old next week. As a stay at home daddy, sometimes I think I can actually read his mind. Sometimes I feel like I still have no bloody idea what I'm doing. Here are some examples.<br />
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My son, Isaiah will absolutely never say that he's tired. But when you're around him all day, everyday, I just know. I don't know if it's clues or instinct. He'll rub his eyes. He'll be clingy. He'll throw a tantrum or get aggressive with me or the dog. Sometimes, he doesn't do anything to indicate he's tired. But I always know. So, I put him down to bed.<br />
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Brings me to another point. (Typing that I accidentally typed 'Pint' instead of 'point'. Possibly a Freudian slip.) I called my Dad today, to ask him if I was such a prick about going to bed. I'm pretty sure I was. I remember falling off my top bunk and trying to crawl in bed with Mom and Dad. I remember sneaking to watch tv with my sister in the middle of the night. We ate a whole block of cheese. I remember trying to wake up my sister and falling asleep on the floor next to her bed. And I was have been told the story many times of when I stayed with my 'Titi', (Puerto Rican for Auntie) and got up in the middle of the night to eat cheese and watch tv. So, I was probably a prick.<br />
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My son got up four times last night. He threw a massive tantrum for today's nap. Then he fell asleep in about 45 seconds. This morning he tore down our Christmas tree because he refused to sleep and the battery died on his tablet. The curse is real. "I hope you have a child that acts the same way you did." Apparently, I did.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6DqgeNcyUKQn6ewxm6ofk36z-L0wBOA9yMP29AnM1qMsNePhENDKHpRfJkvMXCU6pwcklXM7_1EeQrH5BzlVaqciAnmgsABnYTb7mMjFu0fktg5KjBo7m-O5m5aOKstpsht4uxplmk8/s1600/untitled+%25287%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6DqgeNcyUKQn6ewxm6ofk36z-L0wBOA9yMP29AnM1qMsNePhENDKHpRfJkvMXCU6pwcklXM7_1EeQrH5BzlVaqciAnmgsABnYTb7mMjFu0fktg5KjBo7m-O5m5aOKstpsht4uxplmk8/s320/untitled+%25287%2529.png" width="180" /></a></div>
Another thing I truly don't understand is three year old logic, or rather, lack there of. "Pick on the puppy all day, and she is going to bark, growl, and probably nip you. Don't come crying to me." Kid proceeds to pick on the dog, fully understanding what I told him. Guess what happened. The ankle biter bit an ankle.<br />
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Which brings me to another toddler enigma. I am almost positive that I never did this one. "Daddy! I hurt!" As God as my witness, (I'm Catholic, so that's a real thing), I know for a fact he is not hurt. He bumped his knee on the table. He ran face first into a wall. He got nipped by the dog. He dropped/threw a toy into his own head. These are not serious injuries. And yet, the only thing that cures his "wound" is a kiss on the booboo. What is that? Where did it come from? To quote 'Data' from Star Trek, "What is the etymology of that idiom?"</div>
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Lastly, a trick he pulls that I understand, but don't particularly don't care for. "Daddy! I'm hungry!" Now, I know he's not hungry. I just gave him food that he didn't eat. He knows that he can watch tv on the tablet while eating. He just wants to watch Curious George, Sam the Fireman, or God forbid the stupid dancing crayon show. You're not fooling anyone, kid.</div>
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One more short, funny story. We have this picture in our living room.</div>
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My father in law saw this picture and asked if that was me in the second picture. (Sorry, Don.) I didn't say it, but I thought it. "No. They just stuck a random black/Puerto Rican baby in a frame with your daughter, grandson, and your grandson's feet."</div>
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Thanks, as always for reading. See you when I see you.</div>
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-J</div>
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Jason J Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680698859394881645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-909146911203957721.post-41246811344318273362016-10-13T22:33:00.002-07:002016-10-13T22:33:51.380-07:00Stay At Home DadI haven't been writing much lately, I apologize. Lately everything worth talking about just pisses me off. Politics, baseball, Chicago teachers' striking... It's all bullshit. But, I do have a quick story that illustrates perfectly what it is to be a stay at home parent.<br />
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My wife is a Chicago Public School teacher. Though she'll dispute it, she's also an administrator. Her brother and I both have a bet with her becoming an admin. She's currently losing. There's really no point since she's the one bringing home the paycheck, but I like to win.<br />
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Today's plans for me were the cable guy coming, reportedly between 10am and noon. Shockingly, he arrived at 10am sharp. (I know, right?) After that, our speech therapist was coming at 330pm. Isaiah hasn't been sleeping normally lately. The terrible twos have hit hard, especially since we've taken away pacifiers, and are prepping for potty training.<br />
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When Kate got a break from meetings she called home. The conversation lasted about 30 seconds and went something like this.<br />
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Me - Hey, babe.<br />
Her - Hi. Just calling to check in. Did the cable guy make it? I know-<br />
Me - Rory! Isaiah! Stop fighting over a stupid McDonalds toy!<br />
Me - Go lay down, before one of you gets smacked (dog), and the other gets an early nap (child).<br />
My wife's boss in the background - Hi, Jason!<br />
Me - HEY!!! I said STOP!<br />
Me - Hi, boss!<br />
Cable guy calling - I hang up on my wife without even saying goodbye.<br />
Cable guy - I'm gonna have to send a repair crew. Should be here in the next day, and-<br />
Me - SHUT UP!!! Sorry, not you. The pup and kid are fighting.<br />
Cable guy - Hahaha No worries.<br />
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I then abruptly hung up. Again, without saying a word. All this happened while I was trying to clean up before my son's speech therapist came over, make lunch, and keep an eye on my son while a stranger (Comcast cable guy). All I really wanted was a beer and a cigarette.<br />
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I feel bad for my other stay-at-home-parent friends for bitching about it when I only have the one child and puppy. Some of them have more kids, special needs, longer days, Cub fans, shitty family members, shitty neighbors, devastating weather, poor health, and generic brand toilet paper. I feel for you. I appreciate you. #FirstWorldProblems #TheStruggleIsReal<br />
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As always, thanks for reading. I know it's not very entertaining reading someone's online rants. <br />
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Cool runnings, and peace be the journey. <br />
<br />
-J<br />
Jason J Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680698859394881645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-909146911203957721.post-22312598502448904282016-08-17T01:39:00.000-07:002016-08-17T01:39:09.457-07:00Slut ShamingFor those that don't know what slut-shaming is, I'd like to clarify. Wikipedia defines 'Slut Shaming' as thus.<br />
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"In human sexuality, slut-shaming is a form of social stigma applied to people, especially women and girls, who are perceived to violate traditional expectations for sexual behaviors. Some examples of circumstances where women are 'slut-shamed' include violating accepted dress codes by dressing in perceived sexually provocative ways, requesting access to birth control, having premarital, casual, or promiscuous sex, engaging in prostitution, or when being victim blamed for being raped or otherwise sexually assaulted."<br />
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I apologize in advance when my next statements are offensive. <br />
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I don't wish sexual or verbal abuse on anyone. But bring, it. <br />
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Go ahead. Threaten in some fashion, my grandmothers, my mothers, my wife, my sister, my sisters in law, my nieces, or any female friend I've ever known in life. My brothers, (Family don't end in blood) will destroy you. My adopted brother works out like he thinks 'The Walking Dead' is coming. My brother-in-laws will choke the shit out of you. My Dad, Grandpa, and Father-in-law will convince you to request a permanent stay in hell. I'm half Puerto Rican and I'll cut you so bad, you'll wish I didn't cut you so bad. Most of my friends don't have any damned sense, I have no idea what they might do.<br />
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So, go for it. I am describing life ending scenarios. I'm not proficient with a sidearm, but I do have golf clubs or a hammer at every doorway in our home. I don't play.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCWx9cuY9B0KG_Unb9M4LWZ8m0Ncjgb88gEM_BZGIGByLKm3I9e0bL9on3dPMfgve6b5x0DgH2JBW7C7O1jPhtoo1RDi8dc2T7sT2zNCC8uJ82QzMBw6ym8vMs3CMKnFzORxML6XSY0I/s1600/55981660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCWx9cuY9B0KG_Unb9M4LWZ8m0Ncjgb88gEM_BZGIGByLKm3I9e0bL9on3dPMfgve6b5x0DgH2JBW7C7O1jPhtoo1RDi8dc2T7sT2zNCC8uJ82QzMBw6ym8vMs3CMKnFzORxML6XSY0I/s320/55981660.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
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Thank you, as always for reading. I'm not sure I would read it myself if I weren't the author. I don't yet love the sound of my own voice just yet.</div>
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-J</div>
Jason J Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680698859394881645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-909146911203957721.post-73336173677398289152016-08-15T21:17:00.002-07:002016-08-15T21:17:33.310-07:00Batman v Superman: Dawn of JusticeIt's been a long time coming but now it's here. I've taken my sweet time posting a review of 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice'. Now that I've seen it a few times, I feel like I can talk about it. And, for the record, Katie was right. I bought a digital copy from Comcast OnDemand, I should have bought it from Amazon Prime. We'll likely have Amazon Prime a lot longer than we'll have Comcast. So, you win, wife.<br />
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I had major reservations about this movie. Anyone familiar with my fandoms knows that I'm a DC comics guy, all the way. It's weird, because my Dad and brother are both bigger fans of Marvel Comics. But Batman and Superman were always my favorite superheroes. Batman, because he didn't have powers; he was just smart and rich. Superman, because, well, he was SUPER. <br />
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Batman v Superman is kind of a mash-up of Frank Miller's 'Dark Knight Returns' and 'The Death of Superman'. To prove my fandom, I wanted to show pictures of both comics. I have 2 copies of each, but I don't know where the hell I stored them. So here's what Google provided. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBR3STm4QhsJvBGSn0e0SsED3AD40fsRcxN4arPN_Vz-cItuNL9NEwDrLpL8YHrUbJ2ef55E48ULJbucP6JI7WytmU6TknaLfJ_mDcdVIsZa2tzbEQeTmpawROf6ltYJFtLAtnbaaoMUk/s1600/41Gl1GqyHRL._AC_UL320_SR240%252C320_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBR3STm4QhsJvBGSn0e0SsED3AD40fsRcxN4arPN_Vz-cItuNL9NEwDrLpL8YHrUbJ2ef55E48ULJbucP6JI7WytmU6TknaLfJ_mDcdVIsZa2tzbEQeTmpawROf6ltYJFtLAtnbaaoMUk/s1600/41Gl1GqyHRL._AC_UL320_SR240%252C320_.jpg" /></a></div>
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My biggest concern watching this movie was Ben Affleck as the new Batman. I think I still harbor bad feelings against Ben for 'Gigli', one of the worst movies of all time. I also can't help but compare him to previous actors that played Batman. The biggest problem is that previous </div>
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Christian Bale was the epitome of Bruce Wayne and Batman. He totally played the rich playboy, and he totally nailed the bad boy anti-hero. "It's not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me."</div>
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And that brings us to Ben. I think he was a really good Batman, but I couldn't really buy him as Bruce, the wealthy troublemaker. The fact that he had gray hair helped, because Bruce was supposed to have been aging in the comic and the 'Batman Beyond' cartoon. And good job bulking up for the role. But, come on. Affleck is most believable as a Bostonian, stoner, Red Sox fan in 'Good Will Hunting'.</div>
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In the comics Batman did indeed fight Superman. Batman, with his Kryptonite powered suit, kicked Superman's ass. And, in the Superman comics, the Kryptonian mutant 'Doomsday' did kill Superman. Spoiler alert, Superman doesn't stay dead. In the comics 4 different people pop in claiming to be Superman reincarnate.</div>
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As a whole, I think Batman v Superman was pretty good. Jesse Eisenberg stole every scene he was in as Lex Luthor. Many fans complain about the fact that he wasn't bald until he was put in prison. I don't have a problem with that. 'Smallville', the tv show took artistic license regarding Lex as well. I think it worked out well.</div>
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A few other minor things caught my attention about the movie and mythos in geneGal.</div>
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1. At the beginning of the movie Bruce was hauling ass into Wayne Towers, talking to his 'Dad' on the phone. Wasn't Thomas Wayne supposed to be dead already?</div>
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2. Wonder Woman's Lasso of Truth is the lamest superhero weapon of all time. Like, seriously? A rope that makes you tell the truth?</div>
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3. Jimmy Olsen died in the first ten minutes of the movie. Apparently, one of the writers never read a comic. However, props to Michael Cassidy. He's the actor that played Jimmy, and he also played Grant Gabriel in 'Smallville'. </div>
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4. Is Laurence Fishburne, Perry White, or Morpheus?</div>
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5. Amy Adams is so hot. Diane Lane is so hot.</div>
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6. Thinking back to Christopher Reeve; Why in God's name would Superman tell Lois he couldn't see through lead. He just met her!</div>
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Lastly, I have to share my favorite Batman/Superman quotations, including one taken from my own screenplay.</div>
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"The world only makes sense if you force it to." -Batman</div>
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- "I'm a friend of your son's." -Batman</div>
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"I figured. The cape." -Martha Kent</div>
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This last quotation is directly from my own screenplay. </div>
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"We're kind of like Batman and Superman. We're both good guys. We just do things differently. Superman's both idealistic and naïve. He fights for truth, justice, the American Way, and all that bullshit. He protects first the innocent, second the guilty, and <em>third</em> himself. Batman doesn't really go for that. He doesn't base his moral philosophy on vague words like 'truth' or 'equality'. He mostly just goes with his gut. He might in the same week, sleep with Catwoman, and toss The Joker off of a building. And he won't regret either. Superman requests. Batman, fucking <em>insists</em>."</div>
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Thanks as always, for burning brain cells reading my nonsense. See you next time, when I blog about J's Rules, or EpisodeVII.</div>
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Jason J Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680698859394881645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-909146911203957721.post-62337538540253635982016-07-16T23:05:00.002-07:002016-07-16T23:05:53.326-07:00Back to the FutureHello, and sorry I haven't posted in a while. I still have Batman vs Superman, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens to review. Having said that, I have been a bit ecstatic since I found Back to the Future finally hit Netflix.<br />
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I watch a lot of tv and movies, many that involve alternate universes and time travel. My least favorite are backflash episodes. Though I love BTTF, I can't help but complain about its temporal physics.<br />
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If you went back in time and endangered your own existence, how can you have existed to go back in time in the first place?<br />
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If you go to the future how could you run into yourself? Someone would have listed you on a missing persons list, and eventually you'd have been declared dead.<br />
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My only deduction is that history is preordained. God, or time, or whatever, knew what you would do and knew that you would survive to keep the timeline intact. Or maybe it was dumb luck. At least in these movies they know it's just fun. They don't have to be logical.<br />
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I'm sure I'm overthinking it, but what the hell. It's 1am on a Saturday night. Also, I need to get back to writing in any form.<br />
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As always, thanks for reading. And, try not to run into your future self. It'll create a paradox and destroy the universe.<br />
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-JJason J Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680698859394881645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-909146911203957721.post-44741777878590818932016-02-23T20:06:00.002-08:002016-02-23T21:11:22.993-08:00MLB Stadiums I haven't been posting too often lately. The problem with not writing often is that the skills diminish, and when you do end up writing, it's total garbage. My last post was shit, and I didn't even self-promote it like I usually do. But, I had a conversation tonight with a Cubs fan about Wrigley vs. US Cellular. It prompted me to think about, and want to write about, the different stadiums I've been to. I've been to 15 (unless I'm forgetting somewhere), so I will try and keep each review to 2 sentences or less.<br />
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<strong><u>Yankee Stadium</u></strong><br />
I grew up in a Yankee fan family. I hate the Yankees, but went to 13 games there by the time is was 7.<br />
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<strong><u>Shea Stadium</u></strong><br />
I was born in Queens, NY, a couple of miles from the Stadium. I went to 3 games, and remember most the orange wire player cutouts, and my favorite players from the 1986 Champions. I was 5.<br />
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<strong><u>Fenway Paaahhk</u></strong><br />
They threw hotdogs at us, the 'Green Monster' obstructed most of left field, the accents are obnoxious, and most Boston sports fans are dicks.<br />
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<strong><u>Turner Field</u></strong><br />
I didn't actually see a game at Turner, but their concourse is open to the public in the off-season. It felt more like a strip mall/casino hybrid than a ballpark.<br />
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<strong><u>PNC Park</u></strong><br />
I can't remember the game, who played the Pirates, or who won. I guess that means the park was just forgettable.<br />
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<strong><u>Citizens Bank Park</u></strong><br />
Been there a few times, and loved the atmosphere and friendly fans. I will say that 'Philly Cheese Steaks' are grossly overrated. I'd rather have and Italian Beef.<br />
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<strong><u>Great American Ballpark </u></strong><br />
Nice place to watch a game, despite its presumptuous name. Coolest part was caps were on clearance a couple of weeks after the Civil Rights Game, White Sox vs Reds. My caWp cost 10 bucks.<br />
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<strong><u>Tiger Stadium</u></strong><br />
What. A. Dump. There was a warehouse on fire across the street from the stadium. Detroit fans didn't even seem to notice.<br />
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<strong><u>Comerica Park</u></strong><br />
Comerica is a fancy, new ballpark. What it lacks in personality, it makes up with douchebag fans that stole a Tiger's cap that I never really wanted.<br />
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<u></u><strong></strong><strong><u>Comiskey Park</u></strong><br />
Nothing but fond memories, but I was only 9 when it closed. I always step on the old home plate when I go to...<br />
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<strong><u>US Cellular Field</u></strong><br />
I still go to around a dozen games a year. It's only 2 miles from my house. If, and when you visit the Cell make sure to eat a cheddarwurst, corn off the cob, and get a frozen margarita from one of the vendors, or 'ghostbusters', as I call them.<br />
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<strong><u>Wrigley Field</u></strong><br />
If you're a fan of pissing in/ smelling troughs, obstructed views, annoying fans, overpriced parking, and the crappiest team in MLB history, Wrigley is the venue for you. I will say, the food behind home plate on the upper deck is pretty tasty.<br />
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<strong><u>Jacobs/ Progressive Field</u></strong><br />
Not a terrible place to see a game. But, close to Lake Erie and Cuyahoga River, it was more windy than even The Windy City.<br />
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<strong><u>Miller Park</u></strong><br />
Milwaukee is weird. There's good food, and tons of space for tailgaiting. We sat in the left field bleachers, but their 3 upper decks looked like the steepest, scariest seats I have ever seen.<br />
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<strong><u>Dodger Stadium</u></strong><br />
We didn't have cash to pay the scalper, so he GAVE us the tickets, trusting we'd pass him the cash after we hit the ATM. That is next-level trust, and totally unexpected from LA. Refreshing. The stadium built into a mountain was pretty impressive, too.<br />
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<strong><u>Globe Life Park in Arlington</u></strong><br />
Nice park. To be honest, we were more excited to spend time with my Texas cousins than watch the game. Toddlers ran amok. But definitely worth the price of admission.<br />
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Couple of side notes before I get tired of writing, or you get tired of reading.<br />
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**There's a decent chance we'll get to see the White Sox play the Angels in Anaheim this July. Isaiah and I may crash one of Katie's teacher conferences. <br />
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**In 2004 I watched the Montreal Expos play the Florida Marlins at US Cellular Field. Hurricane Frances had already hit with Hurricane Ivan on the way. Montreal had some motocross even so they couldn't host a relocation. Weird, watching a NL home game at our AL field.<br />
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Thanks, as always, for reading.<br />
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Peace, and long life. -J<br />
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Jason J Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680698859394881645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-909146911203957721.post-12981886885075678882016-02-17T21:44:00.000-08:002016-02-17T21:44:13.004-08:00The Maze RunnerNow, typically I avoid reviewing a movie right after I've seen it. I like to see a movie at least twice before I pass judgment. Occasionally, a movie, show, or book is so brilliant or so crappy, that I can talk about it immediately. 'Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials' is one such a movie.<br />
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Before I get into it, I apologize to my wife for being in a foul mood and snapping at her. Our puppy is an imbecile and likes to eat tissues, toilet paper, and dirty toddler diapers. I snapped at her because I was tired, but it wasn't her fault. It wasn't my fault. It was our asshat dog's fault. Sorry.<br />
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But, back to the lecture at hand.<br />
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It was kind of nice today (for February in Chicago) so I, Isaiah, and Rory, needed an excuse to get out of the house. CVS is only a mile and a half away, and they have an outdoor RedBox. There are a few movies I've wanted to rent and they have them, so I took the dog and toddler for a walk. We got 'Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials' and 'Pitch Perfect 2'. I guess it's sequel night at the Smith Household.<br />
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I'm halfway through Maze Runner 2. I wish I was watching something else. I already stopped it once, because I'm so bored. The first one was entertaining, but derivative. It's a rehash of 'The Hunger Games', 'Divergent', and all the way back to 'Lord of the Flies', by William Golding in 1954. On a side note, if you want to watch a really brilliant version of a similar story, check out the Japanese film 'Battle Royale'. I digress.<br />
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'The Scorch Trials' is hard to watch. The characters are bland. The plot isn't worth attention. The dialogue, is crap, when existent. The acting isn't terrible, but what could they possibly have done under the circumstances?<br />
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I probably shouldn't complain. It cost me just over a buck. But a buck, and 3 miles walking, with a toddler and dog, in Chiberia, I could have just gotten something else OnDemand or AmazonPrime. I pray to the movie gods that Pitch Perfect 2 is better. At least I know Isaiah will enjoy the music.<br />
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Thanks for reading. Don't be an assbutt.<br />
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-JJason J Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680698859394881645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-909146911203957721.post-37164460777295019272016-01-20T21:00:00.002-08:002016-01-20T21:00:58.010-08:00Worst Movies of all time - addendumDear Readers,<br />
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The last time I blogged about the worst movies of all time was in July of 2015. At the time, I couldn't remember all of the movies I had placed on my list. I also couldn't remember which of my journals I had kept the list. So, over the past 6 months I've made sure to jot notes when I thought of terrible movies that deserve to be on the list. I also asked friends and family to remind me, of some of the garbage we've seen, and which is noteworthy.<br />
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The following movies are terrible. Avoid them at all costs. As a side note, in my humble opinion, Brendan Fraser is one of the worst actors of all time. All of his movies should be ignored, "With Honors" being a possible exception. Some of his rubbish is on this list.<br />
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<u>Rhinestone</u><br />
Talking about terrible movies I confused titles. Urban Cowboy is bloody awful, but Rhinestone is easily one of the worst movies of all time. Watch it straight through, but keep a nurse on hand. Your eyes will bleed.<br />
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<u>Over the Top</u><br />
Back-to-back horrible Stallone movies. I love the Rocky movies, but these two are completely unforgivable.<br />
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<u>Jeepers Creepers</u><br />
I saw this load of crap with one of my first serious girlfriends. Afterwards we had a late dinner at White Castle. White Castle was the highlight of our date.<br />
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<u>Bedazzled</u> and <u>Blast From the Past</u><br />
Brendan Fraser may go straight to hell for these two bad jokes of a movie. The only redeeming scene in any of his movies is this.<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAd0sx3E2eI">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAd0sx3E2eI</a><br />
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<u>50 Shades of Grey</u><br />
I accept the shame. Not only did I try to watch this piece of trash with my wife, we both read the piece of trash book it was based on. It might not be bad enough to blind you, but that's only because you won't get through it.<br />
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<u>Bewitched</u><br />
This is how I reacted to this piece of crap movie.<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2USMvShha4w">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2USMvShha4w</a><br />
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<u>Superman III</u><br />
Batman & Robin was terrible. Superman IV was worse. Superman III was only slightly less shitty. Superman subdued evil kryptonite/tar with a stack of tires. A stack of tires. Seriously.<br />
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Hopefully, I don't have to sit through too many more of these crappy movies. If I do, I'll make sure to post another addendum to the worst movies of all time. As always, thanks burning brain cells reading my blog. <br />
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Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and try not to screw up 2016<br />
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-J<br />
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Jason J Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680698859394881645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-909146911203957721.post-39260820123235077712015-12-24T01:00:00.001-08:002015-12-24T01:00:26.246-08:00PassionI haven't posted in a long while. I've got some ideas written down in journals, I just haven't gotten around to them. Yet.<br />
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This doesn't count as a real blog post. It's just a quotation that reminds me why I need to #justwrite, and not worry about about content all of the time. Put my thoughts to paper, or, be that as it may, internet blog. This is from 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer', 2nd season, episode 17, written by Joss Whedon, performed by David Boreanaz. <br />
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"Passion. It lies in all of us. Sleeping... waiting... and though unwanted, unbidden, it will stir... open its jaws and howl. It speaks to us... guides us. Passion rules us all. And we obey. What other choice do we have? Passion is the source of our finest moments. The joy of love... the clarity of hatred... the ecstasy of grief. It hurts sometimes more than we can bear. If we could live without passion, maybe we'd know some kind of peace. But we would be hollow. Empty rooms, shuttered and dank. Without passion we'd be truly dead." - Joss Whedon<br />
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For me, this applies especially to my wife, son, family, friends, and God. (That's in no particular order, #God.) But it also applies to reading, writing, TV, movies, politics, and sports. (That's also, in no particular order, #WhiteSox.<br />
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It reminds me of the great, philosophical and historical quotations at the beginning of every episode of #CriminalMinds. Even more than that, it reminds me of a Star Trek quotation, and a great classic rock song.<br />
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"You must learn to control your emotions, or they will control you." Star Trek, Vulcan philosophy (paraphrased)<br />
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"If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with." - Stephen Stills<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH3ruuml-R4">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH3ruuml-R4</a><br />
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Don't read anything into this post, especially family and friends, and my damned dog. I just thought actually posting what popped into my head immediately would motivate me more than notes wallowing away in one of me journals.<br />
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Here's hoping my next post(s) will be more original, and possibly interesting.<br />
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Happy Hollidays, -J<br />
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Jason J Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680698859394881645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-909146911203957721.post-33448633528099569542015-11-01T20:00:00.000-08:002015-11-01T20:00:38.209-08:00World SeriesA lot of my friends and family are Cubs fans. They've given me a lot of grief the past few weeks for being a Cubs "Hater". This will be the last time I explain my baseball fandom.<br />
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I am a White Sox fan, first and foremost. And so yes, I hate the Cubs. But I was actually born a Mets fan, and I still root for them. My first address was 31-17 21st, Queens, NY. That's about ten minutes from Shea Stadium, where the Mets played before it was Citi Field. We moved to Illinois when I was 7 years old.<br />
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I definitely rooted for my Mets against the Cubs in the NLCS. To be honest, I'd have rooted for anyone against the Cubs. But, I don't think that should diminish my fandom of the Mets. I'm in fact, wearing my new Mets visor, watching the Mets in the World series, up 2-0. I have another Mets cap, but I can't find it. In my defense, I have around 30 caps.<br />
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I also have to elaborate that I was 5 years old when the Mets won The World Series in 1986. That's one of my earliest baseball memories. By the time I was 7 I'd been to 13 Yankee games, and 3 Mets games. My dad and uncles were all Yankee fans.<br />
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It's ironic that my two favorite teams are from NY and Chicago, and my two least favorite teams are from NY and Chicago. I hate the damned Yankees, and the miserable Cubs.<br />
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When we moved to IL my pops and I agreed we both had to be White Sox fans. He had to stick with an American League team, I couldn't root for another National League team. Also, the Cubs haven't been good in three lifetimes, and I can't get behind that.<br />
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So here I am. A displaced Mets fan, who's favorite team (White Sox) is terrible. At least the Mets made it to the World Series.<br />
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The Royals just scored. If the Mets lose, I'm going to track down Terry Collins and choke him to death.<br />
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Thanks, as always for reading. I have to go watch the Mets fall apart.<br />
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-JJason J Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680698859394881645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-909146911203957721.post-48857982112743519512015-10-19T16:30:00.000-07:002015-10-19T16:30:04.167-07:00Premeire Week Part IVThis is my last post about 'Premiere Week', I promise. (Probably, Maybe.)<br />
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Every year during premiere season, I turn into a blindly optimistic, wildly inaccurate, Cubs fan type of #TVJunkie. <br />
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"Oooh, I like this show! Everyone will, you just wait."<br />
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Without fail, shows I hate run for only a few seasons or less, and the shows I really like, get cancelled immediately, or right before they have a chance to write a finale episode. I won't make a list of those ,since it goes back to the mid-to-late 90s. Instead, here comes what I've cancelled from my list, what's on the verge of getting dumped, and the shows I haven't rated yet.<br />
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Shows I haven't rated yet, are such, because either they haven't started yet, or I haven't yet watched any/enough of the current season. <br />
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<u><strong>Alpha-Mike-Foxtrot</strong></u><br />
(AMF is an acronym from my military shows and movies that means 'Adios Mother-Fucker'. I'm done with this these shows.)<br />
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The Muppets - I'm a #StayAtHomeDad of a toddler and a 7 month old puppy. When primetime hits, I've had enough of puppets, curious monkeys, and (#ForCryinOutLoud) Elmo. Give me some sex, violence, and rock'n'roll. Plus, I didn't enjoy the pilot episode.<br />
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Scream Queens - I've already seen pop-horror-ironic culture. I could barely tolerate it the first time around. I don't need it again, this time with commercials.<br />
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Chicago Med - In fairness to Dick Wolf, I didn't even watch the whole pilot. I just wasn't interested. I HATE medical dramas. I didn't even enjoy #ER. My sis did, so I watched some, but no thanks. I'll give it another try if they can manage to drown it in episodes of Chicago Fire, and Chicago PD.<br />
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Shark Tank - I actually like #SharkTank. But I like a ton of shows more. I'll continue to watch it, but only inasmuch there's nothing better to watch on primetime, or read in a book.<br />
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<strong><u>Questionable Starters</u></strong><br />
(That's sports talk for "Possibly Could Be a Good But Maybe Not")<br />
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Minority Report - It was a brilliant short story by Philip K. Dick. Read it, immediately. I took the movie with a grain of salt, as should you. After all, Tom Cruise was in it. The TV adaptations are getting fewer grains of salt by the minute, but it's worth waiting to form an opinion. You'd know that if you were a precog.<br />
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The Last Man on Earth - The premise is interesting and funny. The characters are quirky, and past ridiculous. It can be annoyingly stupid at times, but it's only a half hour show. That alone may mean I keep watching it.<br />
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Grandfathered - It's starring John Stamos, but all I see is Uncle Jesse from Full House. I always enjoy it when it's on, I just forget that it's on.<br />
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How to Get Away With Murder - It's a tantalizing show. I enjoy it. A show about murdering lawyers is right up my alley. But not when all of the characters are the least likable characters on all of television.<br />
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<strong><u>Unlisted</u></strong><br />
Sports isn't on my viewing list. That doesn't mean I don't watch. It means that anytime the White Sox, The Bulls, The BlackHawks, University of Michigan football, or just about any playoff baseball (even the Cubs) is on, I'm likely switching back and forth between sports, and one of my shows.<br />
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<strong><u>Not Yet</u></strong><br />
This list is comprised of shows that haven't yet begun, or by my #TVJunkie shame haven't watched yet. Sorry, #Oncers and #TeamTardis.<br />
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Elementary - Hasn't started yet, but I can't wait for me some Sherlock and Watson.<br />
Person of Interest - I feel like I haven't seen Mr. Reese and Finch in forever.<br />
Once Upon a Time - I haven't watched one minute of the current season, and I'm sorry.<br />
Doctor Who - I've watched the season premiere, and half of the second episode. Don't tell my wife, I at some point bought the third episode on Amazon Instant.<br />
X-Files - The first episode of the new series is tonight, after Gotham. Maybe I'll live tweet it.<br />
Supergirl - With great power comes great responsibility, and the ability to screw up a newly re-vamped #DC. By the way, since 'DC' stands for 'Detective Comics', referring to it as 'DC Comics' is redundant, and stupid.<br />
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Como siempre, gracias para leer, y que te vaya bien.<br />
-J<br />
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<br />Jason J Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680698859394881645noreply@blogger.com0