New images on lovemarks (lovebruise) April

Well it seems that the Lovemarks project has not been forgotten. Check out some of the new images for April at lovebruise.blogspot.com

the Zombie, running out of ideas?

The zombie by no means a modern creation of cinema. it has existed in early films, literature, even certain religions for some time. The original popular appearance of the zombie was in Romero's "Night of the Living Dead" in 1968 but the term "Zombie" was produced in later movies for a creature which didn't have a definitive name. The zombie is gaining momentum in popular culture rivaling the continuing fascination of vampires however what makes and continues to terrify about the idea of the zombie is its possibility. The connection to the reanimated undead through disease, biological or chemical influences is a horrifying reality of a unrelenting monster who just wants to eat our brains.

I recently watched the 2009 movie of "Autumn", sorry to say not a very good movie, and as so many recent cinema incarnations the populace by unexplained disease was transformed into flesh eating zombies. Way before the ending credits appeared the wheels in my head turned and questions formed: have the created forces behind movies run out of origin ideas for the zombie? or is the creation of the walking dead through disease an easy explanation?

I went through my memories of films and did notice that either the creation wasn't explained or a virus was to blame. What happened to all the creativity which could inspire such thoughts of an apocalyptic catastrophe? As i have mentioned certain religions believe in the creation of a zombie, such as voodooism, used as a servants. The 1984 movie "night of the comet" introduced an interesting concept of a comet which passed too close to the earth turning the majority who did not die into zombies. In 1988 Craven attempted to reintroduce zombies back to their voodoo roots with "the serpent and the rainbow". Another 80's movie, which title escapes me, had a small town zombified by alien slugs similar to 2006's notion in "slither".

There are so many unexplored creations for a mindless violent undead character which doesn't seem to be leaving our movies houses anytime soon. if writers and directors have decided and made them faster, smarter, even more motivated can't we give them a unique birth into the world of horror cinema once in a while?

Should Avatar win the best picture oscar?

Now the buzz that is surrounding the now all time grossing golden globe winning multi Oscar nominee film epic Avatar does not seem to be going away anytime soon, especially with the recent Oscar nods it probably won't stop making money either. Let us not forget all the hype that will surround its future DVD release, needless to say if you are one of the individuals who didn't enjoy the movie or are tired of all the exposure i do not envy you. I for one highly enjoyed the picture and would like to see it again on the big screen before it fades away to a more portable format.

There are many movies where i would promote the viewing of the cinema format and this is definitely one of them, maybe even spending the few dollars more to see it in 3D but no matter how much i believe this show is the reason we should go to the movies i was happily surprised by its Oscar acknowledgements. Substantially its nod for best picture, this nomination began to trouble me. Sure the movie is visual eye candy, a monumental undertaking of cinematic technology that takes you on a journey but is it best picture worth? Is the movie emotional? Yes to some, i know individuals who have cried. Is this picture entertaining? I would say definitely but does it have a complex story worth of Oscar gold, that for me and some i have conversed with is questionable.

If we would say that a film should transport you to a magical place beyond your imagination and dazzle you with childlike wonderment than this movie delivers in spades. However, shouldn't it also have a complex story to deliver a hold onto you after you leave the theatre, multi levels of story which make you rethink every time you view it again. I'm not so sure this is that movie. James Cameron is a master at his craft and is great at providing little details that can be overlooked on first viewing nonetheless this story is more on level with the classic animations of Disney and that is a compliment.

There has been a history of highly entertaining action filled movies which were more than just action that have been overlooked by Oscar, for example Christopher Nolan's the Dark Knight. Here is a film that achieved a complex web of layered ideas and storytelling, and supplied some great entertainment that was completely overlooked by the Academy. Another would be the Wachowski brother's (or is it brother and sister now) the Matrix, a movie which changed all cinema after it with it's style, action, effects, storytelling, etc. that united a metaphysical ideology which was the most philosophically written about film of its time. If we want to mention films of monumental undertakings then what about Peter Jackson's the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. All three movies were nominated and won in multiple categories with only the final installment of the trilogy winning for best picture. However can it be said that the third installment was more worthy of its winning than the other two? All three carefully and cleverly crafted in their execution but with so many recognitions did the other parts of the trilogy deserve any less.

Well after my humble opinion or rant it not up to me but the Academy of Motion Pictures who will ultimately decide who is worthy of the best picture award but i just reiterate my question to the viewing public: should Avatar win the best picture Oscar?

Is the cel phone going to be the downfall of our society?

Since the 90's the cellular telephone or mobile phone has gain in momentum among the populace so much that there are more mobile phone lines in existence than land operated phone lines. Advances in technology, making them extremely small for advance portability, and lowering operating costs has made this an unstoppable monster that will continue to exist in the hands of the public far into the future; but as my title suggests "is the cel phone going to be the downfall of our society?" or will it destroy manners and proper conduct?

Let me start off by admitting that mobile phones are a modern marvel of ease. Being able to make a call from almost anywhere at any time is magic in a very small box. The proficiency of communication with someone thru text or the power of summoning a movie schedule from thin air is liberating but is it a trade off for the loss of public practices?

The problems in the manner individuals handle or operate cel phones is the modern nuance when one forgets they are in public. It began with the raised voice, thou technology has proceeded in steps forward the mini speaker tech has fluctuated. One spoke louder because they could not hear the speaker therefore overcompensating with verbal volume when they are being received just fine. This phenomenon has extended over the years where some people just converse loud on there phones with no acknowledgement for individuals around them. As if the phone to the ear created a bubble where your conversation becomes private and no one can hear you.

The level of rudeness of answering a phone while in a public movie theatre has gone down throughout the years thanks to the beginning announcements before the main feature but people do not realize that even looking at your phone while in the dark creates a blinding beacon of light which begs for attention from corner of every one's eye. Where the degree of rudeness has increased is the interrupting of a live conversation to answer your phone, maybe this has now become common practice but i still believe it to be rude. I however cannot dismiss the texting during a live conversation where the texting individual swears they can multi task and hold the interaction with very little acknowledgement. Let us not forget the favorite talking on the phone while driving. During the late 80's and early 90's this was considered a status symbol and/or cool but has been studied to be dangerous while operating a vehicle. Thou in many states it has been outlawed to talk and drive without an assisting hands free device it still continues and with the even more dangerous texting while driving.

The list of offenses by cel phone users goes on and on but the one i have witnessed which should be considered a felony is the answering and talking of the phone while in a public restroom. This convention baffles me especially when the individual holds a conversation while sitting on the throne in the neighboring stall. So i pose again the question to the ever growing mass form of communication: are these phones going to be the downfall of our society?

New Years EVE! Tijuana 09

Once again new years eve has come too quickly to make the end of the old and the beginning of the new. In the last few hours i found myself at the well attended space of mr. pepper accompanied by the sound of dj alta noche, there was another dj but i didn't know his name. Great times, good conversation, funny situations, and a large supply of drink. Omar congrats on a very fun and successful event.

Happy International talk like a Pirate Day!

Ahoy mates! Once again it b international talk like a pirate day. It b one of my favorite silly days where all scalliwags can speak funny and have fun, so don't hold back you yellow bellied land lovers. Greet someone with a good "Aarg!".

This day was started by two individuals some years back and has taken momentum where fans across the pond enjoy and celebrate. I love and promote days where someone can speak funny, maybe I should start "talk like a cholo day"? Well maybe not, it was just an idea, then again I speak in that manner every time I go back to work on the waterfront.

meli's bday: part 2

In my continuing effort to catch up on my blog i present to all part 2 of Meli's birthday shout out. Her sustaining celebration this time took us to Tijuana to a bar that was new to a few of us in downtown, the Mezcalera ( i believe that is the proper name). A small but popular place with Virgin de Guadalupe and other religious iconography covering the walls in a dark and friendly environment, not to mention that the Chela is cheap and we were well attended.

The turn out was great with individuals coming from far and wide. The celebration for some went into the whee hours of the night/morning while other Nenas called it a night. Besides that i truly believe the birthday girl had a blast... Happy Birthday Meli.

Birthday Shout Out: Melly

Giving a very loving birthday shout out to my girlfriend Meli. The youngster starts out her birthday celebration with dinner with her family followed by an unexpected speed bump. Our evening which was planned to enjoy the music of Depeche Mode, which was my birthday gift to her, was derailed by the cancelation of the concert due to the singer being ill. Well that sucked, didn't David from Depeche Mode remember it was Meli's birthday? The evening was well recovered with a last minute grouping of friends at a local bar and the Dj sounds of Fussible from Nortec Collective. Good time and she seemed very happy which is what was important.

Part two of her birthday celebration is tonight in Tijuana...

Return from blogging

I really don't know what happened to me but i was on an anti blog writing bit for some time. Some of you can tell from the lack of postings for the last few months. Well i've decided to get off my hump and start posting again...

MFA2009: Opening Reception

Its rare for a art show with so many different themes and disciplines to come together so well as the University of California, San Diego MFA 2009 exhibit. Rooms of photo, sculpture, video, etc. all working in harmony, all complimenting each other. It was great to take part in such a show. Here are some images of the opening reception.