State License Plates: A 51-Part Examination Part 1: Delaware

I’ve finally got the gumption to do something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. Write about US State license plates. How droll. What I plan to do is look at the most recent license plate of each of the 50 states, plus Washington D.C., and give my take on what’s going on in the plate itself. I am not going to look at the special plates issued. Rather, I am looking at the ones most in use by the people living and driving in that state. I’m going to go in order of when the state joined the Union starting with Delaware and ending with Hawaii.

Delaware:

Ah Delaware, a classic use of a two-color scheme as the yellow border draws your eyes toward the numbers. The numbers stand out from the background so they are easier to see but that’s about it. There is nothing fancy about this license plate, granted it comes from a state that is most famous for Joe Flacco and this.

As you can see it’s slogan is ‘The First State’, it’s also the first state to lack charisma. They stick to their state colors of colonial blue and buff but nothing pops off the plate. It just sits there. I don’t want a gaudy plate, but I don’t want something boring either and this is borderline boring – if it weren’t for the use of state colors. I give the state credit for sticking with a color scheme that is true to it’s history and keeping the same look for all of these years, because tradition is important, but that’s all I can give. I want to like this plate more but I can’t. Out of respect for the ‘First State’ I give this plate a solid B.

In defense of ‘iCarly’

It’s silly, it’s stupid, it’s childish, it’s not even filmed in the city it takes place in nor are any of the exteriors, it’s funny, it’s inane, it’s what the kids watch, it’s filled with some bad acting, it’s filled with some mediocre acting, it’s lovable, it’s ridiculous, it’s one of the reasons I question my sanity, it’s ‘iCarly”.

Yes, I watch ‘iCarly’. Oh well, deal with it.

I remember flipping through the channels one slow Saturday afternoon looking for something to watch while I ate my lunch. I happened upon ‘iCarly’ and didn’t really know what it was until the first commercial break. I had heard of the show before but I knew nothing about it. I was in the dark. Now I actively search out new episodes, or ones I have yet to see, so that I can be caught up. But why? Why would I watch this kids show? I watch ‘Dexter’, ‘Modern Family’, ‘Breaking Bad’, ‘30 Rock’, ‘The Office’, ‘Fringe’, ‘Big Love’, ‘Survivor’, ‘NCIS’, and ‘Smallville’ (I think I hit every major network) so why would I watch a show directed at/made for children? I have no idea.

It’s about a girl who has her web show (unlike every other tween with a MacBook) but this is different – she’s popular. Gasp! They do random skits and watch videos and that’s it. That’s what makes it popular. The entire show is based around this web show and everything that comes with the internet and celebrity. It’s a guilty pleasure, I don’t think it’s great but it’s enjoyable. Nothing more, nothing less. Enter eccentric brother and friends and their crazy shenanigans. I laugh a few times, out loud, at the older brother, Spencer and their friend Gibby who seem to have a knack for physical comedy and are just funny to watch. I also watch for the obvious love triangle between Sam, Freddie and Carly.

I’ve never understood why people call it a love triangle, that would imply that everybody is into everybody. Meaning Carly and Sam are in love with each other the same way that Sam loves Freddie (although she won’t admit it) and Freddie loves Carly (although Carly doesn’t feel the same way, but also sees that Sam loves Freddie so she stays away). But that’s a totally different topic in and of itself, one meant for a deeper discussion and if you were feeling really snarky, it could be a thesis topic. Lesbianism and ‘iCarly’ how love knows no age. But I digress.

Here’s a main character rundown: Carly is a bit too stiff and perfect to be funny, so funny things are done to her. She’s the cool girl because she has her own web show. Sam is the one who does all of the funny stuff, albeit odd stuff (like eating a whole turkey leg from out of her locker) and it’s funny because she comes from a broken home (mom: guest star Jane Lynch) and gets into trouble all of the time. Aw shucks, ‘aint she a pain in the butt?! Freddie is the nerd, but lovable, as he takes care of all of their technical needs but he is definitely needy and yearns to break free from the protective cocoon created by his mother. But that’s not why I defend the show.

It’s harmless. In an era that has given rise to the celebrity of people who have no discernible talents ( here, here, and here) it’s refreshing to watch a kids show that’s about kids for kids. Yes, they have existed before and will continue to exist but I like having my faith in humanity restored when I can turn on Nickelodeon and see TV shows that are for kids. I can also turn to Disney Channel to find these shows as well (‘Good Luck Charlie’, ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’) both of which I quite like, and are actually better shows than ‘iCarly’ because they have better actors and better writers who don’t seem to be as self-absorbed as creator Dan Schneider is as he put his Schneider name on just about everything on the show, but this is about ‘iCarly’ and why I like it. Regardless of who is behind the scenes.

‘iCarly’ gets some flak for featuring some “brat factor” but that doesn’t bother me. The kids are quirky, the action is ludicrous, i.e. jumping out of a cargo plane over Japan or being commissioned to choreograph a once big pop star (blatant Britney Spears reference) but it’s escapist fun and the overall vibe of the show is positive and in a world where kids are exposed to this I welcome this type of show and champion it’s heart which is the friendship between the kids and their families and friends. So there, I watch ‘iCarly’ and approve of all of it’s ludicrousness and if you don’t like it then you don’t know what the chiz you’re missing out on.

2010 Oscars – Sweet and Sour

As usual I was up this morning to watch the Academy Award nominations live – albeit today I was on my way to work so I was that early anyway.

If you’re reading this then you want to know my take on the whole show – and you know what? I aim to please. I will go through the major categories (acting, writing, directing, picture) and some of the other technical categories that I find interesting and give my spin on the nominees and who I think will win and who I would pick to win.

Best Original Screenplay
“Another Year”
“The Fighter”
“Inception”
“The Kids Are All Right”
“The King’s Speech”

Skillet’s Pick: “Inception” – Original, ambitious, and it’s the perfect example of high-art action science fiction. Not easily done, but this script excels.

Projected Winner: “The Kids Are All Right” – Terrific, light comedy with dashes of drama that feels very real and it’s the kind of script that doesn’t tie up all the ends and ends as life does – sometimes with not fully closed doors.

Best Adapted Screenplay:
“127 Hours”
“The Social Network”
“Toy Story 3”
“True Grit”
“Winter’s Bone”

Skillet’s Pick: “The Social Network” – It’s smart, maybe too smart, but the dialogue is so volatile and an essential part of these characters that it’s too hard to ignore.

Projected Winner: “The Social Network”

Best Supporting Actress:
Amy Adams – “The Fighter”
Helena Bonham Carter – “The King’s Speech”
Melissa Leo – “The Fighter”
Hailee Steinfeld – “True Grit”
Jacki Weaver – “Animal Kingdom”

Skillet’s Pick: Hailee Steinfeld – She should be in the lead category because she commands the screen in this film and takes charge of Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon throughout the film.

Projected Winner: Melissa Leo – Dramatic, emotional, all the makings of a winning role but she might split votes with co-star Adams thus letting one of the other three slip in.

Best Supporting Actor:
Christian Bale – “The Fighter”
John Hawkes – “Winter’s Bone”
Jeremy Renner – “The Town”
Mark Ruffalo – “The Kids Are All Right”
Geoffrey Rush – “The King’s Speech”

Skillet’s Pick: Geoffrey Rush – He is such a joy to watch. He is one of the reasons this film is so great because he has fun with it while at the same time not being overly comical. He is level-headed and stands true to his ideals no matter what he is faced with, even when it’s the King of England.

Projected Winner: Christian Bale – This is a lock, take it to the bank. Bale steals this movie with his performance.

Best Actress:
Annette Benning – “The Kids Are All Right”
Nicole Kidman – “Rabbit Hole”
Jennifer Lawrence – “Winter’s Bone”
Natalie Portman – “Black Swan”
Michelle Williams – “Blue Valentine”

Skillet’s Pick: Natalie Portman – Her descent into madness as the pressure of the lead in Swan Lake is breathtaking and we go along for the ride. She is sensual and terrifying as she blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. It’s a role that starts in one place and ends somewhere completely different. A true transformation.

Projected Winner: Natalie Portman

Best Actor:
Javier Bardem – “Biutiful”
Jeff Bridges – “True Grit”
Jesse Eisenberg – “The Social Network”
Colin Firth – “The King’s Speech”
James Franco – “127 Hours”

Skillet’s Pick: James Franco – His performance reminds me of one of my favourite performances of all time by Tom Hanks in “Cast Away” in that he is virtually alone and acting by himself for a majority of the film. He is funny, at times grave, charming, and we see the transformation from the person he was to the person he wants to be. We are placed right there with him under the boulder and watching him struggle with the possibility of death and losing everything he ever took advantage of and loved. This is a complete performance from one of the best young actors working today.

Projected Winner: Colin Firth – Lock it up. He’s won. He is terrific. He commands the screen not only because he is the King of England but because his performance is so complete that is impossible to ignore. I cannot quite put my finger on it but Firth has it  and it’s a quality that allows him to be the King and take us on a journey that culminates in a crowd-pleasing moment.

Best Director:
Darren Aronofsky – “Black Swan”
Ethan Coen, Joel Coen – “True Grit”
David Fincher – “The Social Network”
Tom Hooper – “The King’s Speech”
David O. Russell – “The Fighter”

Skillet’s Pick: Darren Aronofsky – (since the best director wasn’t nominated – Christopher Nolan for “Inception” I choose the next best) The camera, like the audience, loves Nina and it follows her closely everywhere lurking over her should like the delusions that Nina says are following her. The camera moves deftly through the ballet scenes as we are placed right in the middle of it all.

Projected Winner: David Fincher – He’s won many other directing awards, and now it might be his time given his work on “Benjamin Button” and audience favourites “Se7en” and “Fight Club”. I’ll be honest I don’t remember much about the camera work in this film, which says a lot about how this film played with me.

Best Original Score:
“127 Hours” – A.R. Rahman
“How To Train Your Dragon” – John Powell
“Inception” – Hans Zimmer
“The King’s Speech” – Alexandre Desplat
“The Social Network” – Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross

Skillet’s Pick: Inception – BWRAAAAAMMH! The music from this film is so powerful and essential to the film as a whole because it emphasises the emotions and actions (as all great scores do) of the characters. It’s original (duh), daring (slowing down the horn from Edith Piaf’s “No Regrette Rien”') and utterly masterful because it is so unique.

Projected Winner: The Social Network – The music is so haunting that is the part that has stayed with me the most from the entire film. The music is beautiful and let’s you sit in the moment and soak it all in while the score plays in conjunction with the action, not separate.

Best Original Song:
If I Rise – “127 Hours”
Coming Home – “Country Strong”
I See the Light -  “Tangled”
We Belong Together – “Toy Story 3”

Skillet’s Pick: I See the Light – What a return to form for the Disney animated musical. I was surprised to hear original songs in this film and really enjoyed this song and the imagery that was accompanied it, as it was a complete experience. It’s a simple song but beautiful nonetheless.

Projected Winner: I See the Light

Best Picture:
“127 Hours”
“Black Swan”
“The Fighter”
“Inception”
“The Kids Are All Right” 
“The King’s Speech”
“The Social Network”
“Toy Story 3”
“True Grit”
“Winter’s Bone”

Skillet’s Pick: Inception – A daring piece of cinema that challenges the mind and entertains. Mind-bending effects, a multi-layered plot (literally), all centered around an idea that is not a simple as it sounds – not unlike the act of inception itself. The directing is top notch, the visuals – cinematography and effects, the writing is fresh and original, the action is intense, and the story in emotionally involving. All the makings of a great film.

Projected Winner: The King’s Speech – I am torn between this film and “The Social Network”, yet I feel that “The King’s Speech” will win out because it is a feel good story set in a time when there was not much to feel good about. The people of England needed a voice and they found it in their unlikely King who struggles just like the people he oversees. This is a complete film that never takes you out of the moment and immerses you into the time and place because in order to understand the gravity of the job the King must do, we must be put into his life and walk around in his shoes. A job the film does very well.

Too Much Rihanna

I’m sure we are all familiar with the saying that there can be too much of a good thing. Is there something to be said about too much of a mediocre thing? Case-in-point: Rihanna.

I remember when she first hit the airwaves with her hit “Pon De Replay” and I initially thought it was Beyonce because of the long hair and the hip gyrations (which is probably why she cut her hair). Then I realized it wasn’t her and began to look into this “Rihanna”. Then she pretty much fell off my radar until “SOS” and I got mad that she was sampling “Tainted Love” in the song for a song. Then came her biggest hit, ever. I don’t even think I need to link to it because it was one of the biggest songs of 2007. At first I hated the song. I found it to be childish and simplistic. But damn, did that song grow on me. It played in just about every bar/nightclub I went into and it got the place bouncing. People would scream “BECAUSE!” and “ella, ella” and it was a crowd pleaser. Then came the enticingly dark “Disturbia”, which is a bit of a guilty pleasure for me, and from there her stock rose.

Enter 2009. She releases a new album and with it a terrible song in “Rude Boy”, “Hard” and every other single off that album. Then, just when I thought it was over she comes out with another album one year later. Now on the radio all I hear is “Only Girl”, “What’s My Name?” and her duet with Eminem. All of which are not nearly as good as the general public make them out to be. “Only Girl” is an attempt to capture the electronic-based club anthem crowd into listening to pop music. Success. “What’s My Name?” is just bad because of “Degrassi” Alum Drake’s vocals – they are nasty (and not in a good way). His voice is strained and is a pain to my ears. Her duet with Eminem makes no sense, as the song is about burning someone alive while they are on a bed. Huh? How do these songs warrant repeated listening. I heard “Only Girl” a few times before I grew tired of it and as soon as I hear her songs with Drake and Eminem I turned the radio dial. It’s too much.

The radio airwaves are being saturated with Rihanna and it’s really starting to annoy me. This is too much of a mediocre thing. I hope she takes some time to think about her next album and the next songs she makes because too much of something is bad enough and when that something is being played repeatedly over the radio then people will start to tune you out because it is being overplayed. I realize she/her agent/her marketing team are capitalizing on her stardom but this might be overdoing it to the extent that people will get tired of her and want for her to take a break. I know I do.

What I think of when I see Matt Hasselbeck:

After watching yesterday's game between the Seahawks and Saints I couldn't help but think of one moment in Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck's career. It's one of the first things that comes to mind when I think of his name.

It took place a few years back in a playoff game at Green Bay. Then this happened: (Note: turn up your volume and listen to what Hasselbeck says)



I give him props for being confident in his team and himself but it's one of those moments that is both funny and cringe-inducing (if you're a Seattle fan). I can't help but think of this moment whenever I hear Matt Hasselbeck's name.