Oh, hi Unwind readers.

So, I’m doing something even more different this week:  I’m not going to talk about books at all.  As you (probably don’t) know, last week I ranted about my generation’s lack of affinity for reading.  This week, I’d like to present a cautionary tale regarding what happens when people who are practically illiterate try to create meaningful art.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you:  The Room, a film released in 2003 by director/producer/writer/actor Tommy Wiseau.  Wiseau is a man of indeterminate European origin (my initial guess was that he was Hungarian, but it’s really impossible to know).  Even though the film is now officially considered a black comedy, it’s pretty evident that Wiseau meant for this to be a serious drama based on the interviews I’ve seen with the man.

Continue reading

comedy, god among men, hungarian, movies, the room, tommy wiseau

Seeing as the last time I talked about driving I discovered just how opinionated people can get when using the “anonymous comment” option, I shall begin this post with a disclaimer:

I am not the greatest driver in the world.  Now, I do consider myself to be a skilled driver in terms of technique (meaning I’m not one of those girls who takes up two lanes while putting on lipstick and Facebooking on my iPhone), but I’m not so fantastic when it comes to temperament.

So, when you read the following please don’t think I consider myself faultless.  I simply think myself less at fault than everybody else.

The other day I was driving down I-35, relatively carefree and appreciative of the unusually warm weather on that particular afternoon.  I had my windows down, my Beatles CD blaring, and I was enjoying the 35 minute drive to the city that allowed me to clear my head and listen to “Strawberry Fields Forever” 72 times on repeat.

Then I noticed a black suburban in my rearview mirror.

Continue reading

aggressive driving, mentally disabled chimpanzees, neanderthals

You remember when you were little and you ran around with a plastic sword slaying dragons that looked an awful lot like trees? Or when you were that princess stolen by that wicked troll (your bother) and that knight in shining armor (your dog) was there to save the day?

That was the coolest thing, right? Playing knights and princesses and dragons. And the only thing cooler would be if it was real.

Well, it is.

The 34th Medieval fair hath invaded Norman, bringing with it knights and princesses, knaves and wenches, and mermaids and trolls.

Continue reading

entertainment, fair, knights, Medieval fair, Norman, Oklahoma, princesses, reeves park

In what might amount to the most understated announcement of the year, Nintendo of Japan recently unveiled the Nintendo 3DS, described in exultant tones as “like a DS…but, y’know, in three-dee. Right.”

The quote’s pure fantasy, of course, but you could almost say the same for the handheld itself. Given Nintendo’s incredible sway in the portable gaming market, one would expect a bit more pomp and ceremony for the successor to the Nintendo DS. C’mon, now. The little dual-screen device shattered sales records on a monthly basis, and one teensy little announcement is all you afford it’s sleeker, sexier new sibling?

People these days.

Continue reading

3ds, dsi xl, nintendo, nintendo always steals my heart, nintendo ds

Allow me to be a bit provocative.

For no reason, here's a photo of TV's Alan Thicke

Normally with my posts, I tend write about the merits of various books that I’ve read, often making subliminal references to H.P. Lovecraft throughout.  But this time, I want to delve into something different, notably something seemingly systemic (you’re welcome for that alliteration).

My generation doesn’t read books.  For pleasure, anyway.  This is a pretty bold claim, considering that it is objectively false.  But, it does feel quite true at times, doesn’t it?

This has been kicking around in the back of my mind for a while, but it was brought to the forefront yesterday morning as I was talking with one of my professors.

“A lot of these kids just don’t read,” my professor lamented.  “If they don’t read anything, how can their writing be anything but a narcissistic exercise?”

Continue reading

alan thicke, atrophy, Books, education, lovecraft, reading, wisdom

There’s something in the air…

And it’s not the usual birds flitting, flowers blooming, lovers making out all over the north oval for which this season is known. Spring is different this year. The world is different. We’re different.

Everywhere I turn there’s this almost tangible aura of dread. It’s in people’s eyes, in their Facebook statuses and in their tweets. This year spring doesn’t mean new beginnings. This year spring means doom.

Seriously my friends, take a look around you.

Continue reading

complaining, gloom and doom, healthcare reform, March Madness

Let’s talk about the phenomenon that is Spongebob Squarepants.

He’s everywhere. Everyone knows who he is.

He’s a cultural norm – you make a reference to anything Spongebob and 4 out of 5 people are going to get it instantly.

Spongebob is this generation’s Bugs Bunny.

And it’s just the story of a fry-cook sponge that lives under the sea in a pineapple. It’s probably one of the most ridiculous storylines ever encountered – and it’s epic.

Continue reading

Bugs Bunny, entertainment, kids tv shows, Patrick, phenomenon, Spongebob Squarepants, Squidward

I need a refurbished Blu-ray player, right? Hm. Maybe the budget travel magazines – I mean, they’re like three dollars, and I spend that kind of change on Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups daily.

Therein lays the beauty and danger of Slickdeals.net, arguably one of the best cash-saving websites around. If you’re looking to purchase cheaply, then you’ve come to the right place. If you’re just looking to look, like moi, well, that’s a different animal altogether. The allure of a tiny price tag might just spell the end of your wallet.

Still, Slickdeals is a site worth watching, especially for the plentiful free samples of commodities and toiletries. There’s a massive community behind it all too, one that scours the ‘net every hour for the latest in savings, so a quick trip to the forums might just prove the frugal shopper’s best nightmare.

Check it out! And have a good Spring Break, everyone!

Continue reading

deals, i'll be living off this site post-graduation, save money, savings

Unfortunately, I find myself inundated with papers and the necessity to study for looming midterms–no substantive book review or commentary this time, folks.  After spring break, I’ll weave wondrous literary posts, I assure you.

Until then, study hard.  Maybe see a bad movie.  Can I recommend The Room?

Continue reading

bad movie, break, post, study