« December 2007 | Main | February 2008 »

January 30, 2008

Wanda Goes Hollywood!

Hey Everybody! I have a friend, Tracy Ahern, trying to make things happen in Hollywood. She's been in L.A. for two years with hopes of landing starring roles in movies and tv. She created a character named Wanda and well, I hope you enjoy!

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 9:36 PM | Comments (2)

OK Oscar, I Forgive You

I was reading in Rollingstone and saw that Johnny Greenwood's soundtrack to There Will Be Blood was not eligible for an Academy Award for a reason other than that the Academy made a bad choice. Apparently Paul Thomas Anderson, director of the film, ruined his chances of attending the big show. It was Anderson who also used about 15 minutes of a 2006 Greenwood composition and also some existing classical movements. This is turn, disqualified the movie's composition from even being nominated.
As far as Vedder's dis goes, the song to be nominated for a Song from a Movie was only played in it's entirety while the credits were running, not exactly the vehicle to get voter's attention. I guess I wonder why that would be the only song to look at with regards to Into the Wild, a great cd chock full of music with meaningful lyrics and beautiful strumming from Eddie Vedder.
With that said, I apologize to all those in Hollywood and around the world who received a ballot and voted for whom they did. I didn't mean to have the reaction that I did. However, I still ask, "Happy Working Song" from Enchanted? Really?

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 9:25 PM

Oh That Juno...

Monday night I went to see a fantastic film, Juno, a movie about a 16-year-old girl who gets pregnant and makes the decision to keep the baby rather than go through with an abortion. I got to be honest, I was somewhat apprehensive about seeing a film that has been talked up as the greatest film since Citizen Kane. If it weren't for all the buzz and Oscar noms I wouldn't have seen the movie in the first place. You see, I've been overexposed by the corky/indy films that have come our way in the past few years. First there was Napolean Dynamite and Garden State, and then Little Miss Sunshine...and now Juno. They all had great moments with real/regular people and their wounds and weirdness, and they all have a soundtrack that kind of supports their characters in a comfy sort of way. As great as these films have been, I'm kind of over it.
But then enters the fresh writing from Diablo Cody, a hipster with enough piercings and tattoos to make Amy Winehouse jeolous. However, it's not what she wears, but what she creates in her characters that make Juno a great piece of art.

Juno MacGuff, who is played by Ellen Page, has the perfect combination of juvenile attitude and wisdom to single-handedly carry the movie. From the beginning of the film to the very end I found myself rooting for her in this unexpected trial. It is her hopeful notions that relationships can continue strongly that breaks your heart. In the end, it is a love of a child that prevails.
If the storyline doesn't pull you to the theatre to see this sweet and tragic/triumphant story, maybe the cast will.

Not only was Page's performance incredible, a word I use way too much I realize, but you have not one, but two actors from the best comedic tv show of the past 5 years, Arrested Development. That's right, both Micheal Bluth and George Micheal, that is, Jason Batemen and Micheal Cera, are a part of the fun. Jennifer Garner played a convincing suburbanite longing to have a home fit enough for a baby...a role that showed her range as an actor capable of good things in Hollywood.
As for the music, that Moldy Peaches band is both good and annoying, not at the same time however. There are great songs that pull you in, and yet other songs that make you long for Jesus to come back soon. The soundtrack which just hit the top of Billboard's Top 100, has some gems, but I don't understand why they would put the actual recording of Anyone Else But You, as sung by Cera and Page on there...it's pretty bad, not even enjoyable in thinking back on the movie with a warm heart.
Although Cody swears that the movie is not a political statement, I can't help but think of the sanctity of life when watching. You see both sides of a teen having a baby and then a mother receiving a baby who is unable to bear her own children. Obviously there are more issues to think about than the pro-life crusade, but it was encouraging to see a film that put forward the possibility of what could be.
Regardless of whether you are a pro-lifer or a pro-choicer, if you will, this film is bright, funny, tragic, hopeful, and encouraging at the same time.

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 8:57 PM | Comments (1)

January 29, 2008

Hey Herman!

I've always wanted a t-shirt with Herman Munster's head on it. I've also wanted a tattoo of his head on my arm as well...don't tell mom though

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 6:26 PM | Comments (1)

January 27, 2008

Not gaudy, but Gaudi

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 6:11 PM

January 26, 2008

Abbreves...it's what happs

"Hey Nay, I have to use the rest, can you watch the reg?" These were the words that introduced me to what has become an international phenomenon among high schoolers and college students, OK, and 30-year-olds. That's right, I'm talkin' about abbreviations. One of my friends at work, Nora, just graduated high school last year and was the 'Queen of Abbreves' at Kaldi's. It took me about a day later to realize that not only had she spoken to me in abbreves, but I had understood what she was saying. The reason being that many of our high schoolers were talking this same way...I just got used to it. Eventually we all caught on and took the abbreves to a new level. The Buffalo Chicken Salad Sandwich became the Buff Chic Sal Sand. Abbreves include initials also, therefore, we were always JJ'in and JK'in with each oth. It was great, and continues to be. We've always been ones to serve skim caps, my mokes, carm lats, and the like. Before we knew it, everything we said to each oth had many abbreves. It was tote os. Now when we see each oth, we have to include a few abbreves just to rememb good times. Where did it start? I believe from the almighty text mess and emails. You don't have so much space, or time for that matt to write a full word, since this is the case just put what you need to, and therefore, say what you need to. Examples would include: "That is unbelieve,"; "IKR", I know, right; "Mer Chri," for the holidays; and finally, "Gooey Butt" for Gooey Butter Cake. In case you're wondering...in Spanish we got: "Que Pas?," "Hasta Lueg," "Porfa," y "Divertid."
Welp, have a fantas day...see you soon!

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 9:13 PM | Comments (3)

Four More Years!!!

That's right, the St. Louis Cardinals' catcher, Yadier Molina, just signed a 4-year deal with the Red Birds! This is exciting news for a baseball club that has seen no less than 3 classics leave for other ventures. Molina has been held as one of the best in both the National and the American league. He joins Pujols and Carpenter in locking down a few more years with the Cards!

His percentage at batting was .275, with a .340 on-base percentage. This guy has got it all in the baseball arena. Could a Golden Glove for 2008 be in his future? Only time will tell. Regardless, I for one, am happy about the contract that has been signed! YADI! YADI! YADI! YADI!

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 4:26 PM

January 25, 2008

Goodbye Heath.

I can't help but be sad about Heath Ledger's recent passing. I didn't know him, nor many of his movies. The fact that someone can die so quickly, without much effort, got to me. It doesn't seem that there were any illegal drugs involved, nor does it seem that there was any intention to end his life.

It seems that he loved his daughter, Matilda Rose, and that although separated from Michelle Williams, with whom he had his daughter, he stilled cared for her as well. I keep hearing comments from people who knew him as an actor who wanted to do real work, both in front of the camera and behind it. With the next installment of the new Batman franchise, he was on his way to superstardom. However, his greatest love was his daughter, and family back in Australia. It seems like he was not only a loving/caring father and hard worker, but a good friend as well.
Why does a life have to end so early? 28-years-old? I've had close friends die at a young age before. It hurts. So many tears are shed. It is through friends being present that you get through the darkness of a friend gone too soon. It's weird though, you feel together with others in a tragedy such as this, but yet alone at the same time.
In the death of a younger person the timing is all wrong, which makes you question many things: What could I have done to stop this from happening? Why them, and not me? Did they know how much I loved them? Wonder what they're doing? I imagine this is what Heath's family and friends are asking themselves today as funeral arrangements were set to begin this afternoon.
I can't say that I'm a huge Heath Ledger fan or that I admired his work as an actor. But I can say that he seemed like one who was headed in a promising direction, both as an actor and as a father; he should be remembered with dignity and grace. I hope the papparazzi will stay away from the family and allow them to grieve in peace.
Goodbye Heath.

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 4:54 PM

January 22, 2008

Oscars for Everyone, but not Vedder?

Hello People of the Academy!
I hope all is well now that nominations have been placed. There are many affirmations to be given, so let's get started. As I've said before, Javier Bardem will win for Best Supporting Actor and Daniel Day Lewis for Best Actor, good job guys. Incidently, the nominations for Best Actor I found to be the most interesting...Depp, I approve of the nom, I've heard incredible things about Tommy Lee Jones in In The Valley of Elah, Viggo's performance has gotten great notes as well. However, as much as I enjoyed Clooney in Micheal Clayton, the 5th honor should have gone to Ryan Gosling in Lars and the Real Girl...you got it close, but not quite there.
Tilda Swinton will win for Best Supporting Actress, although it's a toss-up with Cate Blanchett's performance in the Bob Dylan epic, I'm Not There...she's incredible, again, good job academy. Not sure about Lead Actress, however I've heard Julie Christie is incredible, and although Laura Linney exudes "I went to Juliard Acting School" with everything she does, her performance in The Savages was great. My only regret is that when I saw the movie it was amongst a number of people in the audience who were ready to laugh, and therfore, cover up the authentic feel of a movie about siblings taking care of their dad on his way out of this world. I personally would have put Keira Knightly in the category for her work in the Lead Role for Actresses...she's amazing in Atonement. Again, you were almost there...but not quite.
To continue, it is finally time for the Coen Brothers to get their Goldman on, No Country for Old Men was one of the most memorable movies I've seen in a long time. Sweeney Todd will win for Art Direction; it would have been just another musical without Burton's eye for the dark and weird. Without a doubt, Cinemotography will go to Atonement, as well as Costume Design; you obviously bought into Keira in that green dress...WOW!!!
When it comes to music...you people suck! I'm sorry, was that 3 songs from Enchanted leaving no room for original songs from the soundtrack to Into the Wild, the most elequent movie soundtrack of the year? Oh, it was? OK...I'm sorry, I thought you might have a clue that just because it's Disney doesn't make it a masterpeice. Something tells me Eddie Vedder won't be too dissapointed. At least Once got one nomination. By the way, Seriously? Micheal Clayton's musical score being nominated over the inventive and perfectly placed musical content by Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood in There Will be Blood? What are you thinkin'?
It's good that you remembered The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, I've heard enough talk about this movie to make it a classic. As far as adapted screenplay goes, it'l win. Orig Screenplay will go to the indy-cool, Juno. They'll be gettin' up on that stage...can you believe that a woman who used to write for a porn web-site is nominated for an Oscar? Only in Hollywood.
Finally, as much as I loved Atonement, my #2 of the year, the prize should go to No Country for Old Men for Picture of the Year, although, those old-timers in the academy love their Epic/Tragic Love Stories. We'll see what happens...

So, all-in-all nicely done Academy! I just wish Charlize had had a performance worthy of another Oscar nom, she's beautiul on the red carpet.
Thanks for all the hard work! See you soon, well, if those pesky writers allow the show to go on.
Nathan

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 4:01 PM

Beauty

While we've had a great day of snow, if only a little bit, I wanted to share another kind of beautiful day!

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 1:53 PM | Comments (2)

January 21, 2008

Indy Returns!

Yes, it's true! Every boy from my childhood pictured themselves towering through dark tunnels and swinging from a rope that was actually their whip that they carried with them. Why? Because Indiana Jones was a badass! We loved him, and now he returns to the Big Screen! As far as I've heard, they move the year of the screenplay up to how many years have actually passed in real life, therefore, the show will be placed in the 50s. Also, no word on whether newcomer, Shia LeBeouf will play Indy's son or just a younger guy to help out.
We'll keep you posted!

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 11:25 PM

What To Do With Life?

My dilemma is this...(see title, I'm too lazy to type it out again). Have you noticed the amount of movies and TV shows of single/30-year-old/Masters-totin'-guys who work meanial jobs because they don't know what to do? It apparently takes all the motivation they have to return to work again after a night of drinking or Halo 3, given the situation. Examples would include, but not be limited to Seth Rogen in Knocked Up, the new NBC comedy 'Chuck,' the boys of The Darjeeling Limited, CBS' The Big Bang Theory, oh, might as well mention Zack Braff from Scrubs. All of these guys, or man-childs if you will, have in common one thing...they don't know what to do with themselves. They go to work, for many of them a 'big box' type store and hate what life has handed them. They don't know where to go in life, so they don't do anything. That's right, they, (and I), are having a 'quaterlife crisis'. I wonder if the problem is too much optimism? Could it be that we've received all this education and are now prepared to make big things happen, and they don't, so we just settle? We're now prepared to do the unthinkable, the unimaginable? But it's not happening. We live in America where "dreams come true," right? The unfortunate thing is, they don't. Dreams don't come true. Should I simply accept smashing my 'end of the rainbow' dreams and move on to a "normal" job? I don't want to do that, but my dreams are pretty lofty. I admit that my ultimate dream would be to get an acting job and eventually be in the company of Phillip Seymore Hoffman, Charlize Theron, and Brad Pitt. That won't happen. I have another dream involving screen writing an incredible TV show. Impossible? Maybe not so much, but, maybe not so not...get it?
It's like I'm at the edge of the cliff...do I jump towards these dreams, or officially turn from them and go towards the more sensable route? I don't know. I think that's where the inspiration for many of these shows come from. We've set outselves up for huge endings that probably are not probable...so now what?
We put a lot of emphasis on college and getting grades, filling resumes, and interning...to get a desk job? Yikes. God, take me now. I guess that's where I'm at with this whole finding a real job thing. I want one that makes a difference...not just a healthy bank account.
We also hold the '30 is the new 20' ideal to our hearts tightly, therefore, it takes 8 years, or 10 or 12, to get where we need to go. It's easier to be settled with an object, like, say an ipod, or Nintendo Wii, or whatever you fancy, than to head in a specific direction, be that a job or a relationship that leads to marriage. Although I'm not as settled with the whole not-being-married thing as I am the job.
I'm just not sure what the Hell I want to jump full abandon into. Any suggestions? My itunes account is as playlisted as it could possibly be...getting bored.

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 7:46 PM | Comments (3)

January 20, 2008

This One's for Claire!

Hey Claire!
I know how much you love those 'Buffy' entries! This one is for you. USA Today was giving advise on what to look for in filling a void of your favorite TV show. Due to the WGA strike many programs aren't back in the Winter/Spring season. I thought you might find this interesting...I know I did!

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 6:06 PM | Comments (2)

January 17, 2008

The Blind Will "See"

According to the 24-Hour Museum, Gilbert & George have given permission to the national charity Living Paintings to have their famous, 'Thumbing' be made into an image that the blind can "see." Below is a description of what takes place...

"A wooden template will be made of the picture and a plastic mould then taken to produce a raised image of the portrait of the two men standing and thumbing their noses in a deliberately prankish manner – perhaps at the conventions of traditional art.
Blind or partially sighted people will be able to feel their way around the image with the help of an audio description on CD or cassette. The description will direct their fingers, tell the story of the painting and give them a history of Gilbert and George and their work. In this way the senses of touch and hearing combine to make up for the missing sense of sight."

--24hourmuseum.org.uk

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 11:23 PM | Comments (1)

January 16, 2008

Fast Food Commercials. What The...?

Is anybody as annoyed by the new characters that Wendy's and Burger King have put out in the past year or so? I'm not sure who they think they're attracting. It seems like they're trying to reach the YouTube generation in that they're suppose to be funny and ironic, but they're as stupid as could be...and the Burger King dude is particulary wierd. I've got serious beef with these people.

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 9:30 PM | Comments (3)

There Will Be Blood

*SPOILER ALERT*
The other night I got the chance to see a sneek preview of 'There Will Be Blood,' and boy, was I impressed...by Daniel Day Lewis, as well as Paul Dano. However, the movie didn't live up to what I was hoping for. I actually talked to someone this past week who had 'Blood' as #1 in their Top 10 list for 2007...they hadn't even seen the film yet! That is the measure of expectations I had for this very film.

As I was waiting outside the Tivoli Theatre for almost an hour, freezing my ars off I couldn't wait for the spectacle; for the chance to see an incredible, epic film such as this. What I didn't expect was a film that started out intriguing and then never went anywhere. Have you ever seen a movie and thought, "the first half without the second half was incredible, or, the second half without the first half was really great?" It seemed that the film lacked a theme to grab ahold of, like, there were many messages pervayed, but none to fully commit to. As I watched the film I thought we were headed towards a movie about the woes of the oil industry and the evils that can be brought on a community as a result. Then I thought it was a story of good vs. evil. Then I thought that it was a story of how a person can turn into a monster in their greed for more. I guess it was all those things...just wish Paul Thomas Anderson could have gone down one road and focused. Had he done that I would have put my straw into his creative milkshake, and drunk it up. You'll know what that means by the end of the movie.
One thing I can say is Daniel Day Lewis' portrayel of Daniel Plainview, one of the first good ol' boys in the oil business, is fun to watch. He will be winning the Oscar for his performance. You will love to hate him...he is as convincing in this film as any actors' performance can be. He delivers harsh and cruel lines with such a direct approach that people in the audience cringed outloud at some of the things that came out of his mouth.
Another performance that deserves praise is from Little Miss Sunshine's Paul Dano. Interstingly enough, the character he plays in 'Blood' is far opposite of the one he plays in 'Sunshine.' This movie shows the ability of one who can play such diverse roles and still make it happen. Dano plays the role of a faith healer who heads the Church of the Third Revelation. It was he that brought the news of an oil leed to Plainview's attention, and it is he who comes to soon regret what he had done. I don't want to give anything else away in case any of you movie people see the film...just know the acting is one for the history books.

The cinemotography is incredible as well...there are great shots through out the film. It's beautiful and like the story, cruel and harsh. Going along with the picture was the musical score, written by Radiohead's Johnny Greenwood, which came and went with ease; it carried the movie along it's winding path. The soundtrack is as gentle as the movie is bright and outrageous. If you see one film this Awards season, see 'No Country for Old Men,' but, if you see 6 or 7...this movie should be in there.

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 7:47 PM

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin

A couple of years ago I went to Colombia to see Rogue Wave with some friends. The show was supposed to start at 8 p.m., but what wasn't mentioned was that there were 3 bands opening for them. We saw Two Gallants, a 2-member band made up of a couple of gradeschool friends...although everyone I was with didn't care them, I really dug the sound they were putting together.
To our surprise the opening band, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, had the best show of the night. The little known band at the time from Springfield, MO had impressed us all; when we got home we looked 'em up on the internet. What we found was a group of guys that put together incredible lyrics with a sound that marries Weezer with Elliot Smith.
A month after we had gone to Colombia a review came out in RFT of their first album, Bloom, which said, "This just might be the best album of 2005 by anybody." Unbeknowst to us, we had come upon future indie stars and we didn't even know it...talk about cool...we were it.
A couple of years later, and they have been signed to a label and have had a song featured on the indie-heavy show, The OC! Their album received praise from the likes of SPIN magazine and they toured from California to Russia!
We've been following them ever since, going to shows when they come into town and the like. Hopefully after watching these videos, which are fare to midly as they say in some parts of Southern Missouri, you'll dig the music as much as we do and go support 'em next time they come to your town!

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 1:10 PM

January 15, 2008

American Idol

It's true, I'm a fan of the show. Tonight will begin the race from the historic city of Philedelphia to find the next American Idol, as they say. Simon, Paula...all the regs will be there.

Please tell me they'll find someone who has it all, like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. Both of these women have shown that America will actually buy the album, go to the show, and give you Grammys if you're good. Let's not get started with Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Taylor Hicks, William Hung, Sanjaya, the list goes on. Just give me someone who can actually sing!

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 2:48 PM

Music Industry Going Down

The top selling cd of 2007 was Josh Groban's 'Noel,' which sold 3.8 million and shows the sad state of the music industry as we know it. It is the first time a Christmas album was the #1 album of the year and also the first time the highest sold album arrived in the Fall.

While cd sales plummeted another 15% from 2006, digital sales were up a whopping 45%, that's 844.2 million downloads from 588.2 million. In case you're wondering, Fergie sold the most downloads, over 7 million in the States alone.
What does this say about our world? It shows that people are putting together crappy albums that no one wants and are placing 2 or 3 good singles to help move the cds off the shelf. It also shows that we want to buy exactly what we want...nothing more, nothing less. You can go on iTunes and select 6 songs from Carrie Underwood's new album and only spend $6 as oppossed to the $12 for the entire cd. That's what I did...just didn't prefer half the material.
It also shows that we really like to be individualistic. I don't think there is another person on the face of the earth who has Kylie Minogue, My Morning Jacket, Dashboard Confessional, Shania Twain, Alicia Keys, and The Shins all on the same ipod. I think that's pretty cool. However, when I go and read at Wash U it seems like not many people are talking because they're all walking around with white wires going in their ears. It's pretty funny and not unlike scenes of zombies gazing straight ahead like those in Shaun of the Dead.
Music stores continue to close shop, and record companies continue to cut artists from their label. The latest casualties are American Idol alums, Taylor Hicks and Katherine McPhee. Although Hicks was never good at singing, (at campaigning, yes, but not singing), McPhee had a promising career.
It will be interesting to see what happens in the next few years with record labels. There is some serious work to do in figuring out how to survive in a world that will be soon cd-less.

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 2:35 PM | Comments (4)

January 14, 2008

Jesus = No Rules...Kind of.

You probably know what this video is getting at. I found it as well as other ones posted by Vintage21, a church in Raleigh, NC, humorous enough to go on SNL's TV Funhouse. However, as funny as this video is at mocking the wrong perceptions we have of Jesus and how we are to live as sinners who follow Him, there is, unfortanately, a lot of truth found in it as well.
We all fall into the pit of keeping tally of our sins...and act as if 'do-gooding' is what the Christian life is all about. We feel good about ourselves when we go to church or open up the Bible or when we volunteer at a church-y event...we almost treat Jesus as some sort of Karma, "If I pray for 30 minutes, then I'll be right with God and will feel good about myself."
We also make Jesus to be such a Holy Being that He can't get near us emotionally, to know what our real struggles are. We do these as if He never was human to begin with and as if he couldn't come close to identifying with our mess. I know that scripture tells us that He was tempted in every way. Maybe He didn't commit the sin, but He knows what it looks like, and He knows the tough world that we live in.
Life as a Christian is not about following rules or getting things right all the time, it's about recognizing what is true, (the Bible), and living in response. In fact, God gave the Ten Commandments to the Israelites because He knew that sin was going to be a part of humanity forever, well, until Jesus returns. He knew they, nor us could live as He had originally created human beings to do so. If that is true, then a book that outlines what's OK and what's not is a good thing; we obviously can't live appropriately on our own. We now have a templet of how God calls us to live.
As you saw in the video, Jesus goes around telling everyone what they did wrong...He seems to be a kill-joy! The crazy thing is, He's just the opposite; and unlike the ending of the video, Jesus gives hope amongst our sinful state of being. The Apostle Paul says, "Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life." (Romans 5:9-10/ESV) There is no shame in going to the Lord; the saving work is already done, and He longs to brings us closer to Him, in fact, that's why knowing our sin and getting rid of it is so important...one, we are commanded to work out our salvation through prayer and supplication, but also because we come closer to Him in the process...it's called sanctification people!
I wish the church would come to a further understanding of who Christ is, and what His acts on the cross did for us: they brought us grace, freedom from wrongs and the freedom to live accordingly with a response of reverance and humility, and finally, they brought us into a relationship with the Creator of the world that had not been known before. He is our hope for tomorrow, but also today! Although every church has it's problems, I can say that I have been blessed to be a part of a congregation that loves the grace of God and teaches His peaceful love to those who need to hear...such as myself.
Welp, enough of my preaching. Have a great day! May the Lord pull you closer to Him today!

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 5:12 PM

January 13, 2008

Nintendo Wii is Fun!

Hey everybody! I got a Nintendo Wii for Christmas and it's been set up at 715A. I always know one of my roommates is playing if I come home and see Neil or Jonathan throwing fists in the air as they fight a computer boxer.
I really like what Nintendo has done to use a video game system that actually brings people together...of ALL ages. It's incredible. I have a friend here who's mother gave him and his wife one...because they already had one themselves and enjoyed it so. Apparently his mother and stepdad heard about Nintendo Wii from reading AARP...hilarious!!!
I remember when I was little, my grandmother Carson would try to play Mrs. Pac-Man with us...it was very funny. She just couldn't figure it all out. I think if we had had one of Nintendo's latest must-haves we would have shared a lot of good times bowling with her, or tennis, or maybe even boxing.

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 5:57 PM | Comments (6)

January 12, 2008

Now Scott Rolen?

Welp, we're seeing another classic Cardinal pack their bags and head north. Scott Rolen has been traded, and will now be a part of the Toronto Blue Jays baseball club.

I remember back in 2004 when Rolen's homerun sent us to the World Series. The third basemen became one of my favorite players instantly. Although I've heard time and time again that he's an ass to get along with, and everyone in St. Louis knows that his relationship with club manager, Tony LaRussa is less than warm; maybe this is good thing. Could this be what the Cards need to lift moral and gel together as a team that was never possible last year? Only time, (and the pitchers we get), will tell.
Regardless of what happens, Scotty was one of the powerhouse hitters up until a couple of years ago...injuries struck him and the hitting went downhill. He will still be missed.
Man, what a year...hopefully Pujols won't be wearing the blue stripes that A-Rod used to, at this rate, anything's possible.

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 9:27 PM

January 11, 2008

Jesse Reporting to Nepal

A guy that has become one of my good friends here in St. Louis will be boarding a plane tomorrow on his way to Kathmandu, Nepal. He will be working with 'Word Made Flesh,' an organization that is working to proserve dignity in human beings.

He'll be joining a group of people who run two homes, one for older people, mostly women, who have been abandoned by their families. The other home is for children, mostly girls, who have been left on the streets along the way. I can't imagine where Jesse's desire came from to go and work in an emotionally tough condition as this must be, but I know that his beliefs that our world should not be as it is was part of his motivation.
We've all been effected by the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, but I don't even realize a lot of the time how far gone the human race really is. The fact that there is a need for people to form a place that would provide the necessities such as food and shelter for those that can't care for themselves is evidence that we live in a harsh world. The fact that Jesse wants to go and be a servant for people in hurting conditions such as those he'll be caring for, and abandon a life of wealth as we have in this great nation of ours is incredible. Jesse, I'm proud to call you my friend. Thank you!

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 4:21 PM

January 10, 2008

Sweeney Todd!

This past weekend I went to see Sondheim's Sweeney Todd, starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter, directed by Tim Burton. The movie opens with a story told by Sweeney Todd himself about a barbor named Benjamin Barker who was arrested by the evil Judge Turpin who kidnaps Barker's wife and child. The movie begins 15 years later after that incident...and Barker is back out of prison, but he's quite different. He's no longer warm and generous, but dark and cold...and he has a vengence for the judge who took his life away from him. His name is now Sweeney Todd. Through out the musical Todd receives help from the pie maker, Mrs. Lovett, located in the flat below his barbor shop. Together they make a great team, benefitting from each other's "gifts."

Through out the film Sweeney Todd is looking for revenge against a couple of people, which turns into anyone who comes to get a nice, clean shave. He has it out for the entire city of London, and finds solice in his "friends," the razors. In typical Depp/Burton style, the film is weird, odd, and dark. The cinemotography is incredible and the scenes of slashing, (many, many scenes of slashing), are over the top, think slightly less than Kill Bill. The music, written by Stephen Sondheim, is haunting, and performed incredibly well by Depp and co. My favorite song is 'Not While I'm Around,' a beautiful song about the protection of a loved-one. If you have the stomach to get through the movie you should go and see it on the big screen!
I can't help but feel like this movie is one that speaks of the times we live in so well...the timing is perfect. It seems like we, the American public, have been longing for revenge since 9/11 and since the War in Iraq began...we love seeing people get payed back for all the wrong they've done. The theme of vegence has been common among our culture since then: Charlize Theron won an Oscar for the incredible portrayal of a prostitue who went on a killing rampage seeking revenge on what life had handed her, the inspiration behind Linkin Park's vengeful album, Hybrid Theory, the highest selling album of 2001, is all about a son dealing with the aftermath of growing up in an abusive home, I can't forget Reality TV which is full of people with a vengance, and we all sang along to Beyonce's 'Irreplaceable,' the #1 song of this past year, according to Billboard charts. We cannot get enough of 'revenge'.
The interesting thing is that by the end of Sweeney Todd, I had had enough, I wanted it over...and it ended with no hope in sight. The revenge that Sweeney Todd had sought in his wife and child's honor had not eased the pain at all, in fact, it hurt even more afterwards. When people do us wrong, we really want to see them get a dose of their own medicine. After our 'wrong-doers,' if you will, get what's coming to them, the hurt or betrayel still lingers. While we may snear and think at the time, "what goes around, comes around," it seems like sometimes, the best option is to just let go and forgive. Ultimately we will all be held accountable for our actions. The peace that can come from doing so is pleasant and real. The movie was incredible, but dark and painful at the same time...an epic film, although written in '79, spoke of the world we live in today.

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 6:45 PM

January 7, 2008

American Gladiators!

One of my roommates and I watched the premiere of American Gladiators on NBC tonight. I must say, that was the kitchiest 30 minutes of TV I've seen in a long time. It's impossible to explain in writing the amount of cheese that this show exudes. Thanks to the writing strike we have a whole slew of new reality shows that will be just as good as Gladiators.

Anyway, the premise of the American Gladiators is that there are 'star' gladiators who each take turns in taking down two people who are competeing in a number of events. My favorite gladiator was this guy, aptly named, "Wolf," pictured above; every time he was introduced he howled. I haven't laughed at a show like I did tonight in a long, long time.

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 9:24 PM | Comments (2)

January 6, 2008

Remember Last Year...

I went running today outside with shorts and a short-sleeve shirt on. Below is where we were this time last year...those were the good ol' days.

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 4:49 PM

Feliz Dia de los Reyes!

Hola amigos y Hello Friends! I hope you are having an excellent Epiphany, or Three Kings Day as it is known in many countries around the world. January 6th is traditionally celebrated as the day the Wise Men arrived to offer gifts to Jesus, the newborn King.
In Spain, January 6th is the most celebrated day during the holidays. Dia de los Reyes is when Spanish children leave shoes sitting out for the three kings to come by and leave presents in them. In most Spanish cities the three wise men walk through the streets and throw out candy to everyone waiting on the sidewalks; heck, for weeks beforehand you can even get your picture taken with the three kings at the mall! They're everywhere, those wisemen.

As Pastor Stulac pointed out today in church, Ephiphany shows that the kings offered more than just gold, frankincense, and myrrh. In fact, we can learn from how they responded to the arrival of Christ. According to the second chapter of Matthew, the three wise men were joyous, they worshipped, and as mentioned before they offered gifts. In this time when the birth of Jesus is still on our minds, let's remember the grace given to us!
He sought and found us dead to our sin. He pulled us to Him and had us accept responsibility for our sin. He helped us accept our sinful flesh and our need of One who would atone for our pollution and guilt. Jesus died on the cross a sacrifice that is final...no need for a lamb anymore. He was the final sacrifice that God gave for us! We are now free to live without the need to perform tasks, we are now free to live lives without bondage to addictions or vices, we are now able to sift through the muck of life in order to discover who we are...and to be proud of that! This is what the Lord has given to those who seek Him! Like the first wisemen who came to visit little baby Jesus, it is ours to respond with joy and worship; to respond with faithful hearts who offer our time and talents, and financially as well. May you have a wonderful Three Kings Day! Buen Fiesta!

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 3:28 PM

January 5, 2008

WWJYT?

The past two nights I have spent a good amount of time watching YouTube videos with friends. Talk about connecting people through media! There is nothing better than seeing the latest creation from some artistic mind out there in the world. Whether it be 'Chocolate Rain', 'Crack Spider', 'Scary Mary', or whatever the case may be for the day, it is so fun to laugh at what people come up with.

Today network TV executives are scrambling to find a way to beat the system that is YouTube. Once a pop culture phenomenon, Marc Cherry and everyone else at the writing desk of Desperate Housewives are trying to figure out how their show could have lost 8 million viewers in the past two years...one answer, YouTube! The latest and greatest video is always something new...not the same ol' same ol'. I can't help but wonder how much effect YouTube has had on the Neilson report. With the wonders of YouTube and MySpace, and Facebook as well, people can make movies or skits and show them off...to people they don't even know. The people that make these videos get coverage and millions of people see them through word of mouth...it's amazing!
Along with Desperate Housewives, Saturday Night Live has lost many viewers as well. The show is not funny...but have you seen the Jesus videos made by Vintage21? Now those are funny! They're creative! Inventive even! YouTube it.
There is something about the longing for individualism yet being a part of the group that makes this video-viewing website so attractive. Once you have your YouTube account you can save videos and rate them. In this way, you can introduce people to who you are, so to speak. When I was younger I would make mixtapes every month or so, it helped me show how cool I was. Teenagers now use YouTube as their vehicle for boasting at what they found, and therefore, proving the same thing I did, that they're cool.
What I like about these trends is that as individual as it is...it's communal at the same time. Why would I post a blog if I thought no one would look at? The same goes for YouTubers, Facebookers, MySpacers, etc. It is through these types of media that we get to know each other a little bit better, that we experience other peoples' thoughts in a visual way, we see each other's creations and celebrate each other's gifts! We get to share our thoughts and hear opinions that may not be our own. We learn. I just love it. Even the geekiest of geeks can be appreciated for what they've done...that never happened when I was 16.
I wonder what God's thoughts must be of YouTube or Facebook. I see many people being creative and putting their minds together to produce a mini-film that connects people. He must be pleased. Although I also see how some use these websites for fame and wrong motives, there are good things happening. Even CNN used YouTube for their Presidential Debates. But what would the Lord have to say about YouTube? I believe God is all over the website. In fact, the next thing you know we'll all be walking around with WWJYT? bracelets. It'll be pretty funny...but such a sign of the times. OK, I won't be wearing one of those...but I bet a lot of people will.

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 10:45 PM

January 4, 2008

The Disk: Code Zero

Hello All!
I have a friend making a movie here in St. Louis. I'm in it. I'll be shooting scenes tonight and later on this weekend...it's a non-speaking role, but an important one. Check out the trailer!

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 9:42 AM | Comments (2)

January 3, 2008

That's So Postmodern!

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 7:05 PM | Comments (2)

Almost there...

Opening Day at the Park is only 89 days away!

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 6:55 PM | Comments (1)

January 2, 2008

Gemayel Family Visits America!

I hope everyone's New Year has gotten off on the right foot! Yesterday I put up all the Christmas stuff and cleaned clothes...now I feel good about what may come in 2008!
Over the holidays I received the picture below from one of my cousins. The guy on the front row all the way to the right is my great grandfather, Naome Mosis Gemayel; that's his wife to the left. He, along with one of his brothers came to the States from Beruit, Lebanon around 1912. Their wives and other siblings made the long journey after things had gotten settled. The sacrifice they made in leaving everything familiar was to provide a better way for their families.
They arrived at Ellis Island in New York and eventually moved to North Carolina where many of my family still lives. It was quite a blessing to sit and listen to my uncle Tom tell about how we came to be where we are today. I imagine there was a lot of blood, sweat, and tears shed along the way. I can't help but wonder what my great grandfather would think of us if he were alive. Afterall, we are a product of his great move that took him halfway around the world. After nearly 100 years, the Gemayels continue to be a valuable part of society. We have provided doctors to save the sick, teachers to provide education for children...even Post-Grad Baristas! It is so good to see where we started and to look at how far we've come. Keep it rockin' Gemayel family!

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 8:32 PM

January 1, 2008

Nathan's Top Ten Singles of the Year: #1

Finally, we're at the end of the countdown. I got to say, this has been fun...hope you enjoyed the spectacular videos! The morning after I finalized the list, my #1 and #2 we're both nominated for Record of the Year at the Grammys. It feels good to be right, HA!
I look forward to 2008's music. I know Madonna will be back, as well as The Decemberists...Christina and J-Lo and their nannies will be taking care of the kids, and I'm sure Chris Martin and the gang will help us all be more spiritual!!!

#1: What Goes Around, Comes Around by Justin Timberlake

I had my mind made up that this was a great song when I saw Timberlake and company perform 'What Goes Around...' on Saturday Night Live. The band was incredible, the backup singers we're movin', and Cameron Diaz's boyfriend at the time was working hard to be the new 'King of Pop.'
The reason I think 'What Goes Around, Comes Around' was the best song of 2007 can be summed up in three words...originality, musicality, and great production...OK, that was four words. Anyway, I think it just might be one of the classic songs of our generation.
Sadly, I think the words of the song speak for many in our generation as well. As good a song as 'What Goes Around' is, the message is not one that I can get behind. I think if we all received our due it would be really awful. We can't work hard enough to have 'good karma,' it's an endless battle that none of us can win. Heck, even Thom Yorke from Radiohead cries, "I've given all I can, it's not enough."
But if I'm honest, the vengeful side of me loves this song. How good it feels to see someone "get served," as K Fed would say. Yet another reason why karma doesn't work...HA! I hope you enjoy the performance!

Posted by Nathan Gemayel at 10:54 PM | Comments (2)