Sorry it to me a while to post the next blog Been busy working and stuff...actually making money, right?
Well..after serious consideration, i have narrowed by gun shooters and car jumpers to my top five. Here it goes...In no particular order (as always.)
1. Pulp Fiction - What favorite action movie list would not include this great film. I can still watch it today and be thoroughly entertained. Travolta plays the perfect "bad guy"..maybe he should just stick to these "bad roles"...
2. Terminator 2 - "Ahhr-nald" does some of his best work here..(besides being the big kindergarten teacher.. :) ) The action sequences in these movies are very good.
3. Spider-man series - you know what? Toby does a great job as a superhero. The mix between action and drama is very good. Can't wait till the next one!!
4. The Dark Knight - well what can I say. Batman isn't the story here...its the Joker by the deceased Heath Ledger. What an acting job. His performance truely did earn him the golden statue. Will the next sequel live up to the first one My thoughts are no...
5. Indiana Jones series - (the earlier movies) - Harrison Ford does a great job in his younger years. His latest installment was not as good, if not boring. But if you are looking for great action, you shouldn't look any further.
There you have it. My top 5 action movies. What do you think? Any standouts? Any movie that I did not add to the list? What are your top 5?
Next up Favorite kids movies..this should be fun. :)
Till next time.. hasta la pasta!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Top 5 Comedy's...
Hello friends!!!
After thinking about my 5 best dramas, I had conversations with people in regarding these picks. There is a general theme to all these movies. You genuinely feel sad for a character in each of these movies. Your heart feels tangled for Adam Sandler in Reign, and what about Haley Joel in Pay it Forward? I guess a good drama has you, as the audience, "buy into" or "connect to" the character. Think of your favorite drama...how did they draw you to connect to the character?
My top 5 comedies were harder than I originally thought. I usually only watch dramas because of a couple of reasons. First and foremost, dramas usually have good acting, better than comedies. Second, I only get to watch a few movies a year and I try and watch movies I think will do well in February during Oscar time. (Yepp, there is an Oscar party I attend every year, and the GOLDEN STATUTE is currently in my possession, and I attend to keep it that way...)
Well, here it goes, My top five comedies...in no particular order.
1. As Good As It Gets - I have to admit, Jack Nicholson plays a wonderful part in this movie. I thought about putting it in my top 5 dramas, but a lot of his actions were hilarious. Remember when he was walking on the sidewalk missing the cracks...(yes I know it was a medical condition), but it was still quite funny.
2. Clerks - When this movie was released, I thought, what is going on, a black and white movie? I guess you learn not to judge a movie by its "color" because this movie is a classic. Jay and Silent Bob are introduced to us here and are at their funniest.
3. Little Miss Sunshine - Talk about a chaotic hilarity of a movie. The whole family is sort of a cluster of different personalities, and to put them in a beat up van to travel to a pageant that the girl will not win...I still remember the girl parading around on the stage after the judging.
4. About Schmidt - Yes, Jack is twice in my top 5. He is a great actor, all the way around. In this picture, he reminds me of a meddling family member who only wants what is best for his daughter. But on the flip side, he has totally forgotten HOW to take care of himself. The majority of the scenes are funny, well because it's Jack, being Jack.
5. Napoleon Dynamite - What an INDEPENDENT gem. Napoleon plays this offbeat weird high school student that wants his friend to be president. But the day to day stuff that happens are hilarious, and the one liners that have come from this movie are still funny to this day.
So what do you think? Did I jog some memories? Let me guess, your favorite comedy is not on my list? Well write a comment and tell me about your favorite...
Next up, Action. And I'm debating two more categories, Favorite kids movies, and Documentaries. (documentaries wouldn't have been a category years ago, but there are some very good Doc's out there...)
On a side note, if you would be so inclined, I would appreciate it if you are enjoying the blog, to "favorite" my blog on the side. Thanks in advance, and I'll chat with you soon.
After thinking about my 5 best dramas, I had conversations with people in regarding these picks. There is a general theme to all these movies. You genuinely feel sad for a character in each of these movies. Your heart feels tangled for Adam Sandler in Reign, and what about Haley Joel in Pay it Forward? I guess a good drama has you, as the audience, "buy into" or "connect to" the character. Think of your favorite drama...how did they draw you to connect to the character?
My top 5 comedies were harder than I originally thought. I usually only watch dramas because of a couple of reasons. First and foremost, dramas usually have good acting, better than comedies. Second, I only get to watch a few movies a year and I try and watch movies I think will do well in February during Oscar time. (Yepp, there is an Oscar party I attend every year, and the GOLDEN STATUTE is currently in my possession, and I attend to keep it that way...)
Well, here it goes, My top five comedies...in no particular order.
1. As Good As It Gets - I have to admit, Jack Nicholson plays a wonderful part in this movie. I thought about putting it in my top 5 dramas, but a lot of his actions were hilarious. Remember when he was walking on the sidewalk missing the cracks...(yes I know it was a medical condition), but it was still quite funny.
2. Clerks - When this movie was released, I thought, what is going on, a black and white movie? I guess you learn not to judge a movie by its "color" because this movie is a classic. Jay and Silent Bob are introduced to us here and are at their funniest.
3. Little Miss Sunshine - Talk about a chaotic hilarity of a movie. The whole family is sort of a cluster of different personalities, and to put them in a beat up van to travel to a pageant that the girl will not win...I still remember the girl parading around on the stage after the judging.
4. About Schmidt - Yes, Jack is twice in my top 5. He is a great actor, all the way around. In this picture, he reminds me of a meddling family member who only wants what is best for his daughter. But on the flip side, he has totally forgotten HOW to take care of himself. The majority of the scenes are funny, well because it's Jack, being Jack.
5. Napoleon Dynamite - What an INDEPENDENT gem. Napoleon plays this offbeat weird high school student that wants his friend to be president. But the day to day stuff that happens are hilarious, and the one liners that have come from this movie are still funny to this day.
So what do you think? Did I jog some memories? Let me guess, your favorite comedy is not on my list? Well write a comment and tell me about your favorite...
Next up, Action. And I'm debating two more categories, Favorite kids movies, and Documentaries. (documentaries wouldn't have been a category years ago, but there are some very good Doc's out there...)
On a side note, if you would be so inclined, I would appreciate it if you are enjoying the blog, to "favorite" my blog on the side. Thanks in advance, and I'll chat with you soon.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Best Movie of all time????
Daily while working in a video store, I get asked what my favorite movie is. This for me is such a hard question because I have seen so many movies over the years. My first thought was to narrow it down by genre. What are my favorite comedies? Dramas? Action movies? Should I do the horror category? (my opinion, you seen one horror movie you have seen them all...I stopped watching horrors after The Blairwitch Project) I think I could write a blog a genre really, now that I think about it...Here it goes, in no particular order.
Gibby's Top 5 Drama's
(why did I start with drama? well, its my favorite type. What other type of genre can really generate great acting and an emotional connection?)
1. Pay it Forward - What a gem of a movie. Kevin Spacey did a great job as well as Haley Joel Osment. I think the premise of the story drew me in and made me think that this type of "Utopian idea" could actually work.
2. Memento - Very good movie. If your watching it for the first time, you must watch it all the way through. The first of its kind when it was released because it showed the plot backwards.
3. Silence of the Lambs - Well, the first suspense movie that I watched. It is still classic today as when it was released. Isn't that right "Clarice" (Hannibal Lector's voice)
4. The Sixth Sense - another Haley Joel Oment movie makes my top 5? Yepp. This classic suspense people really freaked you out when Haley says "I see dead people."
5. I Am Sam - One of my favorite actors, Sean Penn, stars in this movie and plays the part to a "T". If you haven't watched this movie, you must. It really puts people with disabilities and their struggles in perspective.
5.5 Reign over Me - Sorry I couldn't take this one out. OK..top 6 - This one was Adam Sandlers gem. Not a comedy at all. Just a person struggling with death and how to live life without loved ones. Tears swell up still when I see this movie.
Honorable mentions: In America, One Hour Photo, Good Will Hunting, 21 Grams
What is your top five in dramas? Difficult huh? Even a better question, where were you when you watched your top five? I remember when I saw all 5...er 6 of these. Leave comments or posts below. Comedies tomorrow.
Gibby's Top 5 Drama's
(why did I start with drama? well, its my favorite type. What other type of genre can really generate great acting and an emotional connection?)
1. Pay it Forward - What a gem of a movie. Kevin Spacey did a great job as well as Haley Joel Osment. I think the premise of the story drew me in and made me think that this type of "Utopian idea" could actually work.
2. Memento - Very good movie. If your watching it for the first time, you must watch it all the way through. The first of its kind when it was released because it showed the plot backwards.
3. Silence of the Lambs - Well, the first suspense movie that I watched. It is still classic today as when it was released. Isn't that right "Clarice" (Hannibal Lector's voice)
4. The Sixth Sense - another Haley Joel Oment movie makes my top 5? Yepp. This classic suspense people really freaked you out when Haley says "I see dead people."
5. I Am Sam - One of my favorite actors, Sean Penn, stars in this movie and plays the part to a "T". If you haven't watched this movie, you must. It really puts people with disabilities and their struggles in perspective.
5.5 Reign over Me - Sorry I couldn't take this one out. OK..top 6 - This one was Adam Sandlers gem. Not a comedy at all. Just a person struggling with death and how to live life without loved ones. Tears swell up still when I see this movie.
Honorable mentions: In America, One Hour Photo, Good Will Hunting, 21 Grams
What is your top five in dramas? Difficult huh? Even a better question, where were you when you watched your top five? I remember when I saw all 5...er 6 of these. Leave comments or posts below. Comedies tomorrow.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Job hunting is sooooo tough.
I have been searching for my first teaching job for almost 4 years now. It has been an uphill battle from the get go. I was told, while taking my education classes, that it was a good field to get into and that you "just had to know someone." I have since proven the last statement incorrect.
I have been guest teaching in multiple districts for the full four years. Actually, if you want to get technical, i have been subbing in one district for 6 years, (I was guest teaching while I took my certification classes.) I have been requested to sub in tons of classes. The majority of the teachers that know me, request me because they know that "I can handle the tough ones, and be productive." Secretaries know me. They are very happy when I walk through the door, for the same reason. I can handle it. Principals even like it when I am in their buildings. You would think that knowing these types of people would get me into a district. I guess it is not knowing the right person.
But, what gets me is that when it is time for jobs to be posted and interviews called, I sometimes get called, and to no such luck, I have yet to be granted a full time job. There are so many rejections one can take, especially on a profession that I have said is "my calling." I guess it is not knowing the right interviewing person.
This process almost has me question myself and my career choices. Is this the right profession? Am I doing the right things in the classroom? Are the students (the end product) producing what I am teaching? If this is not the right profession, what is the next step? Back to school? Many teachers have commented to me that I have a "knack" with the kids. The kids enjoy me being there, and I enjoy being there. Before school even starts, I have had students come up to me and ask if I am in their classroom for the day. I guess it is not knowing the right person.
So, for now, I will go and edit my resume and work at applying to more districts, (which quite honestly, takes for ever to apply.) Hopefully this year, I will get the call and finally meet the right person, and they will hire me, for the person I am, a hardworking, dedicated individual who will do anything it takes to teach students to be successful.
I have been guest teaching in multiple districts for the full four years. Actually, if you want to get technical, i have been subbing in one district for 6 years, (I was guest teaching while I took my certification classes.) I have been requested to sub in tons of classes. The majority of the teachers that know me, request me because they know that "I can handle the tough ones, and be productive." Secretaries know me. They are very happy when I walk through the door, for the same reason. I can handle it. Principals even like it when I am in their buildings. You would think that knowing these types of people would get me into a district. I guess it is not knowing the right person.
But, what gets me is that when it is time for jobs to be posted and interviews called, I sometimes get called, and to no such luck, I have yet to be granted a full time job. There are so many rejections one can take, especially on a profession that I have said is "my calling." I guess it is not knowing the right interviewing person.
This process almost has me question myself and my career choices. Is this the right profession? Am I doing the right things in the classroom? Are the students (the end product) producing what I am teaching? If this is not the right profession, what is the next step? Back to school? Many teachers have commented to me that I have a "knack" with the kids. The kids enjoy me being there, and I enjoy being there. Before school even starts, I have had students come up to me and ask if I am in their classroom for the day. I guess it is not knowing the right person.
So, for now, I will go and edit my resume and work at applying to more districts, (which quite honestly, takes for ever to apply.) Hopefully this year, I will get the call and finally meet the right person, and they will hire me, for the person I am, a hardworking, dedicated individual who will do anything it takes to teach students to be successful.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Introductions are hard....
"Good Afternoon...My name is Kris, how is your day going?"
These are typical words that one hears when you are introduced to a new person or group of people. Blogs are no different. In thinking of what my first "blog" would be, I thought an introduction of myself and why I choose to blog in the first place.
My name is Kris and I currently live in a suburb of Detroit. I currently live by myself with my cat "princess", who is always into things. (just like most cats are, right?)
You could say that I currently do not have a "full time job," even though some weeks I work over 50 hours in a week. Does that make sense? I currently have my teaching certification through the state of Michigan. The state "says" that I can teach any subject in the lower grades and mathematics and social studies in grades 6-8. But, with the market the way that it is, I have not yet been hired into a district as a full time teacher. I "guest teach" in 4 different districts around my county during the school year. I also tutor on the side and work at a video store as an assistant manager during the off season. Whew. I have had my certification for 4 years now. I have tried numerous times to apply to districts in state, to no avail. I have also tried to apply out of state, but I am sort of "leery" of going out of state...(this will be another future blog post... ) I love to teach. It is my "calling." This is why I get up in the morning. I love helping students learn. To see there faces when they final get a topic, or when they are finally getting how to read words, is "priceless" to me. I have said in the past..."Forget about money, put me in the classroom and let me do my job'." (But in the real world, money is so important...WHY?)
I am a semi-spiritual person. I go to church regularly, and do my "fair share" for my congregation. I bet you could guess what I do at the church, right? Yepp, I teach religion to 6th graders. Its a great program that I teach in, and ran by a wonderful person, too...(another future blog...)
My family is all over the place. I have parents that live real close by and my sisters live on opposite ends of the world. One lives in California and the other lives in England. I love spending time with my family. We just recently went to an amusement park and I lost my voice from screaming so much...(not a scared scream, but an "overjoyed" scream...)
I love sports. I guess you could call me a "seasonal sports" person. I watch baseball when its in season, basketball and football too. My favorite though is basketball. I love to talk sports with anyone. My grandfather loves to tell sports stories too. His stories are so "classic." He can tell you pretty much anything about the Tigers. I guess you could say I have patterned myself after him. Which in my opinion is a GREAT thing...
This blog is going to hold two different purposes for me. One, it is going to allow me to fine tune my personal writing. Writing for me has been a weakness in my education and I feel in order to better myself in that area, I might as well write ever so often. (hopefully more often than not...) Two, this is getting into technology more. I would consider myself a tech-savvy person already, but times change in the blink of an eye, especially in technology. In my field, technology, when used in a proper setting, can "draw students in"...or have them "buy into the system." The more "USEFUL" technology I can bring into the classroom...the better.
Well, this blog is going on and on. I didn't mean this too. I just thought a "quick" blurb about my background and you would be able to associate me to what I write about. I hope that you have a great rest of your Sunday...and until we "meet" again....
These are typical words that one hears when you are introduced to a new person or group of people. Blogs are no different. In thinking of what my first "blog" would be, I thought an introduction of myself and why I choose to blog in the first place.
My name is Kris and I currently live in a suburb of Detroit. I currently live by myself with my cat "princess", who is always into things. (just like most cats are, right?)
You could say that I currently do not have a "full time job," even though some weeks I work over 50 hours in a week. Does that make sense? I currently have my teaching certification through the state of Michigan. The state "says" that I can teach any subject in the lower grades and mathematics and social studies in grades 6-8. But, with the market the way that it is, I have not yet been hired into a district as a full time teacher. I "guest teach" in 4 different districts around my county during the school year. I also tutor on the side and work at a video store as an assistant manager during the off season. Whew. I have had my certification for 4 years now. I have tried numerous times to apply to districts in state, to no avail. I have also tried to apply out of state, but I am sort of "leery" of going out of state...(this will be another future blog post... ) I love to teach. It is my "calling." This is why I get up in the morning. I love helping students learn. To see there faces when they final get a topic, or when they are finally getting how to read words, is "priceless" to me. I have said in the past..."Forget about money, put me in the classroom and let me do my job'." (But in the real world, money is so important...WHY?)
I am a semi-spiritual person. I go to church regularly, and do my "fair share" for my congregation. I bet you could guess what I do at the church, right? Yepp, I teach religion to 6th graders. Its a great program that I teach in, and ran by a wonderful person, too...(another future blog...)
My family is all over the place. I have parents that live real close by and my sisters live on opposite ends of the world. One lives in California and the other lives in England. I love spending time with my family. We just recently went to an amusement park and I lost my voice from screaming so much...(not a scared scream, but an "overjoyed" scream...)
I love sports. I guess you could call me a "seasonal sports" person. I watch baseball when its in season, basketball and football too. My favorite though is basketball. I love to talk sports with anyone. My grandfather loves to tell sports stories too. His stories are so "classic." He can tell you pretty much anything about the Tigers. I guess you could say I have patterned myself after him. Which in my opinion is a GREAT thing...
This blog is going to hold two different purposes for me. One, it is going to allow me to fine tune my personal writing. Writing for me has been a weakness in my education and I feel in order to better myself in that area, I might as well write ever so often. (hopefully more often than not...) Two, this is getting into technology more. I would consider myself a tech-savvy person already, but times change in the blink of an eye, especially in technology. In my field, technology, when used in a proper setting, can "draw students in"...or have them "buy into the system." The more "USEFUL" technology I can bring into the classroom...the better.
Well, this blog is going on and on. I didn't mean this too. I just thought a "quick" blurb about my background and you would be able to associate me to what I write about. I hope that you have a great rest of your Sunday...and until we "meet" again....
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