Things I Wonder About Lately
1. If people at work who don’t really know me see me around the office and think “Argyle, again? Seriously?” or perhaps I’m known as “The Argyle Guy” or something cleverer in some circles.
2. Whether Steven Spielberg stopped sharing ideas with George Lucas for fear of getting him involved.
Steven: “I’ve been wanting to do an adventure movie on Bigfoot.”
George: “Awesome! Can I executive produce?”
Steven: “Ugh.”
George: “Great! How many baby Bigfoots should there be?”
3. Last Week’s BSG Spoiler: How the Battlestar Galactica prequel series Caprica will be about Man creating Cylons if Cylon skin-jobs have been in existence for thousands of years. Thinking about the BSG timeline makes my head spin.
4. If Slumdog Millionaire is as awful as Crash was. An Indian coworker and friend of mine was completely unimpressed. She says she watches Bollywood movies like that all the time. Part of me thinks it’s out of ignorance that this movie is getting such accolades, just because it’s in a language we silly Americans can understand.
5. Where I should go on a springtime vacation. Could be in North America or abroad, I’m not sure yet. Since I’m so bad at planning it should probably in the United States. And also someplace I can potentially go by myself if I can’t organize others to go with me. I was thinking Colorado, Oregon, or Washington. Any suggestions?
January 23, 2009 7:58 am 64 Comments
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By Dave S., January 23, 2009 @ 8:12 am
1. They call you “The Arguyle”.
2. Steven: “I’m thinking about making a movie about a guy who rescues Jews.”
George: “Umm…yeah… Can I put in a really funny guy with a goofy Jamaican accent and –
Steven: No.
George: But —
Steven: No.
George: I’ll have him wear a yamaka.
Steven: Hmmm….
3. I have no idea. As long as it’s filled with beautiful people, I’ll watch.
4. I have no idea. As long as it’s filled with beautiful people, I’ll watch.
5. Columbus, Ohio. King’s Island is only an hour away.
And you’ll have free room and board. Though the board’s a bit splintered right now — long story — but I’ll break out the sander for you.
Things I wonder about:
1. Where my life is heading.
2. If I’ll be happy with that direction once I discover it.
By john, January 23, 2009 @ 8:34 am
Excellent Dave S.: “Arguyle”.
1. They probably don’t think about your clothes, I don’t think that many people are that observant.
2. Good God I hope so.
3. Someday I’ll catch up on BSG.
4. I liked Slumdog Millionaire. I’m not sure it is picture of the year, but I really enjoyed it.
5. Oregon and Washington are very pretty. I’ve visited my cousins who live in WA. Pretty state, lots to see. I also would jump at the chance to go to Ireland again or to Italy.
Things I wonder about:
Why doesn’t stupid hurt? If it did, we might be able to find a cure.
I’m really focused on an interview I have a 2pm today. I’m hoping the opportunity is as good as I think it may be.
By Enrico, January 23, 2009 @ 8:35 am
Noooo Slumdog Millionaire was indeed amazing. I haven’t seen that many Bollywood films, but the ones I’ve seen have been happier. Less torture and murder and that stuff. I loved Slumdog and recommend it highly!
And for a vacation, I hear Ocean Grove, NJ is really nice!
By Christian Ja, January 23, 2009 @ 8:40 am
I’m with Enrico…
I went in knowing very little about Slumdog, other than there was some
“Who wants to be a millionaire” tie-in” which left me thinking it was going to be completely laaaaaame.
It took me a little bit to get drawn into the story, but by the end I thought it was fan-friggen-tastic. The young actors are especially incredible in this film, even though most of those young kids hadn’t done much acting before.
Plus, I enjoy any film that gives you a reason to stay for the credits like this one does. =Þ
By Tam, January 23, 2009 @ 8:57 am
1. Yep, you are the “Arguyle” as Dave noted and they miss you desperately when you are not at work.
2. Is it Bigfeet or Bigfoots? I go with the former. And to answer the question, yes.
3. Umm, yeah, whatever.
4. Well, I think there is a lot less dancing and singing in Slumdog but I’m not 100% sure. Everyone loves a low-budget underdog story that looks gritty and grimy even if it sucks. But I have no clue, it will win just because its not a Hollywood movie.
5. What do you call “springtime”? I would recommend coming north but not until late April at the earliest. Polt has extolled the virtues of Toronto but there really is more to do there than pick up hot non-English speaking guys for wild monkey sex.
Although that can be fun too. Montreal is really neat (and you could drive there) and if you like lots of touristy things you can come to my hometown and see all the national museums and stuff. Abroad? Well, if springtime is early March, I’m saying the Caribbean or Europe. London is freaking expensive. Lyon, France was beautiful and I’d love to go back in summer. Athens was amazing, went there on my own and had a great time but I studied the classics so if that’s not your thing it might not appeal. Barcelona is really nice too and not so expensive and even when I’m there in Feb. it should be in the 60′s so nice weather, on the Mediteranean. US? I’ve never been to Colorado but you could visit Michelle M. 
I’ve heard the Pacific N.W. is really beautiful. The advantage of Canada is you get way more bang for your buck as American’s. Our dollar plunged so you can get $100 Can for about $75 US.
So wonder no more. Your questions have been answered. (In this long rambling post, get me talking travel and I can’t shut up. See? Its happening again.)
By Tam, January 23, 2009 @ 9:01 am
John: Good luck today. I would love to see more of Ireland but the prices there nearly killed me. Everything is about twice here with the exchange rate. My colleague working there told me he stopped converting everything into Canadian dollars in his head when shopping because he was having panic attacks. Maybe out in the countryside its not so bad. Everyone was really friendly though.
By Bernd, January 23, 2009 @ 9:04 am
If people at work who don’t really know you talk as often to their colleagues about you as I talk to my colleagues about people at work who I really don’t know, namely once or twice a year, then you’ve already spent more time thinking about people at work who don’t really know you than people at work who don’t really know you think about you.
2: SS: Indy 5 will play in Africa
GL: Let’s give him a black kid as a sassy side-kick
SS: We had a sassy kid as side-kick already in Doom.
GL: But that was your idea, now it is mine
SS: Hmmm, nobody in the audience will notice
GL: Let’s make it a black girl, she must look like the prez’s daughters.
SS: I’ll get a stake in the sale of those action-figures
3. Everything will be clear to you after the final BSG episodes, your head may be backwards, but at least the view’s not blurry anymore
4. I really liked Crash and hope to see Slumdog this weekend
5. If you are going alone, go visiting friends or family or take an organized tour/cruise, otherwise you’ll die of boredom, yearning for human contact.
By Norman, January 23, 2009 @ 9:11 am
Well, I’ve seen lots of Bollywood films and I’ve been to India four times for months at a time and I thought Slumdog featured so much authenticity — the first time I’ve ever seen something like that in an Indian-set film. I think some Indians — especially Bollywood fans — don’t like to see the mafia, the slums, the craziness, and the Wild West-styled rogue policemen on film, but anyone who’s spent time in Calcutta or Mumbai or even in rural India knows this part of life exists. Unfortunately, I’ve never seen people break out in a dance number, but I have seen lepers, I have seen people get their shoes stolen, and I’ve seen policemen beat someone down for getting into a car accident. Slumdog didn’t seem completely far-flung to me.
By Craig, January 23, 2009 @ 9:28 am
Does Bollywood just refer to the musicals? I might need to change it because I don’t think she’s the musical type.
By Melissa, January 23, 2009 @ 9:40 am
I see Bollywood movies all the time and I was still impressed with Slumdog Millionaire.
It’s a different concept. In this movie people don’t start singing and dancing out of the blue and the plot is very interesting.
You should go see it
and go see it now
By Amy @ Milk Breath & Margaritas, January 23, 2009 @ 9:50 am
If you are alone and you like solitude, go to Estes Park Colorado. Breathtaking—
If you are alone but want people, go to Venice Beach / Santa Monica. Awesome.
By Kimi, January 23, 2009 @ 10:03 am
I can totally picture your coworkers calling you The Argyle Guy behind your back. I think it’s great that you love to be yourself and it’s also great your coworkers can use you for a little entertainment. Life is usually pretty boring and people need something to talk about.
I rarely get to see movies (life with a preschooler), and I think any vacation you take will be fun because you’re there! I’ve never been to Estes Park, but my hubby had great things to say about it. What about Yellowstone? or are you more of a city guy?
By GoKitty, January 23, 2009 @ 10:08 am
Have you seen Slumdog? It was great and I’m not surprised that your indian coworker wasnt impressed. One of my coworkers said he didnt like it because he didnt like that the violence in it (like the eye scene). He said that does happen over there but he doesnt know why they show it. He also says that they remake american movies all the time over there and give them all positive endings.
I’m still recommending Monsoon Wedding.
By Bernd, January 23, 2009 @ 10:29 am
GoKitty, wow, Monsoon Wedding is one of my all time favorite movies. I second that recommendation, Craig. I never wanted that movie to end, I was loving so many of the characters by the end of the movie, I wanted to see how their lives continued.
from ImdB:
Tagline: The Rain is coming… and so is the Family.
Plot:A stressed father, a bride-to-be with a secret, a smitten event planner, and relatives from around the world create much ado about the preparations for an arranged marriage in India.
John, much success at your interview today.
By Craig, January 23, 2009 @ 10:34 am
Monsoon Wedding has been added to my Netflix queue.
Good luck at your interview John! (not that you need it)
By polt, January 23, 2009 @ 10:41 am
Tam: Well I was GONNA make my Toronto recommendation, but then you did it all FOR me! (Should I be dismayed that I’m apparently so predictable?) And just so you know, I’ve gone to Toronto with 5 different people over the years, and only two others did the “pick up hot non-English speaking guys for wild monkey sex.” So, see, one CAN go there without doing that…although why would want to is beyond me.
For your trip…well, everyone’s recommending their home towns, and I’d do that too…only there really nothing to do in my town. Honestly. So in that case, I’ll recommend Columbus Ohio, just cause of all the fun I had when I was there last October!!! And if you time if right, the free room and board might include an underwear fashion show too!
HUGS…
By Ryan R., January 23, 2009 @ 10:53 am
Craig: BSG has been making me uncomfortable all week. They better make this make sense, or I’ll track Ron Moore down and demand a third season of Carnivale in compensation.
Polt: I’m surprised that you didn’t note Dev Patel (Anwar from Skins/star of Slumdog Millionaire). Also, Series 3 started yesterday!!!
*Leaves to go watch*
By Ray Ray, January 23, 2009 @ 11:01 am
I TOTALLY agree with you re Crash…that movie was just so contrived and over done. Blech! I never understood why everyone was so gaga over it, and the strange thing is, last time I checked, it is still the #1 rental on Netflix. Amazing!
By GoKitty, January 23, 2009 @ 11:17 am
You know, as I listen to my ipod, I dont think I’ve ever seen a music post by Craig. I’m curious to what you listen to.
By Craig, January 23, 2009 @ 11:23 am
It’s true. I don’t really talk about music much. Perhaps I’ll put something together for next week.
Here is one I did:
http://puntabulous.com/2008/03/06/good-question/
And here I list a playlist of songs I was listening to at the time:
http://puntabulous.com/2007/02/16/puntabulous-is-good-bad-and-ugly-3/
By GoKitty, January 23, 2009 @ 11:27 am
Interesting…
I’ll definately have to make you a compilation.
By Enrico, January 23, 2009 @ 11:27 am
That’s cause we mostly just talk about music in comments. Aka Britney Spears.
Musically, I just discovered Sia. Her song “Breathe Me” is amazing.
By Craig, January 23, 2009 @ 11:34 am
GoKitty: Please do! I’m always looking for new and different music. I’m a big fan of Alternative.
By polt, January 23, 2009 @ 11:34 am
I did know the lead was from Skins, but I haven’t seen Slumdog yet, so I didn’t comment on it. And I didn’t know the third season was out already….but it’s got all new kids, right? Not sure how interesting that would be. I was kinda attached to the original group…I may or may not have cried during the last episode.
Music? I’m ALL about Muse at this time…have been for several months.
HUGS…
By Bernd, January 23, 2009 @ 11:47 am
Now I get my dork-credit:
.
I’ve been listening to the Quantum of Solace soundtrack since I bought it in November. I love to work out to it – here goes the dork-credit
By GoKitty, January 23, 2009 @ 11:48 am
Bernd – you’d only be a dork if you were listening to the soundtrack of a James Bond movie that starred Roger Moore.
By Bernd, January 23, 2009 @ 12:19 pm
GoKitty, call me dork, darlin, I have the soundtracks or parts of soundtracks of Live & let die, Man w the golden gun, Spy who loved me, Moonraker, For your eyes only and view to a kill on my i-pod, most of the other Bonds’ as well.
By Bill, January 23, 2009 @ 12:24 pm
Wow…I guess we should start addressing you as Bernd. JAMES Bernd.
By GoKitty, January 23, 2009 @ 12:28 pm
Ohwow, you are a dork! Well done!
“Bon… Simon Le Bon”
By Tam, January 23, 2009 @ 12:28 pm
Bill: EXCELLENT!!!!
By Zeeshan, January 23, 2009 @ 12:32 pm
I’ve been reading this blog for a year or so now, but Enrico’s Sia comment made me want to comment. They use that song in the Six Feet Under finale, which is probably one the best finales I’ve ever seen for a show. Watch it, that song will become 10 times better if you do (the characters can be stupid sometimes, but I promise there’s no alcoholics or starbuck!)
By Craig, January 23, 2009 @ 12:36 pm
Hi Zeeshan! I’ll have to give Sia a listen. I’ve only seen an episode or two of Six Feet Under.
Speaking of music, did you guys know that Britney’s new single “If You Seek Amy” is really supposed to be “F-U-C-K Me”. I just found this out and I think it’s hysterical!
By Tam, January 23, 2009 @ 12:43 pm
Craig: My daughter told me that they were not allowed to play it at the school dance (middle school) because of that. That sneaky Britney, corrupting my little angel (who was also the one who told me about putting your name in urbandictionary – ahem – no comment).
By Bernd, January 23, 2009 @ 1:01 pm
Bill, thank you, I’m shaken and stirred about my new name Bernd, James Bernd. My own take on it always was Blond, James Blond for my hair
Just for my hair!!!!
Tam, as if your little angel needed any further corruption. With kids these days the genie leaves the bottle as soon as they type www.
By Enrico, January 23, 2009 @ 2:04 pm
Yeah, they are editing the song for airplay to “If You See Amy.” Taking out one k makes a world of difference….
Zeeshan – I’m so glad I inspired you to comment!
I never watched the show but always wanted to… I have so many shows to watch. I’m currently watching Arrested Development (before the movie comes out).
But I feel like that song is def. the kind of song that would be great in a dramatic scene of television… so good.
By brad, January 23, 2009 @ 2:08 pm
It depends on how many people are in your office.
I wonder about this: what does getting the “key to the city” actually mean? is it pretty much just symbolic or can you walk around the city and take whatever you want? do you get to keep the key?
By Ryan, January 23, 2009 @ 2:12 pm
Did Bloodhound Gang’s Foxtrot Uniform Charlie Kilo get airplay in the US? I know I heard it on Danish radio.
By Craig, January 23, 2009 @ 2:22 pm
Brad: I’ve wondered about that too. Perhaps it’s just chocolate wrapped in gold foil?
Ryan: I’m not sure. The only Bloodhound Gang song I know is “Bad Touch”. Mmmmm….cheese danish.
By Ryan, January 23, 2009 @ 2:30 pm
Craig: I’d guess not. In addition to its use of international radiotelephony spelling alphabet to spell a word the FCC does not like, it has ridiculously vulgar lyrics like quiver bone and ham wallet.
By Craig, January 23, 2009 @ 2:39 pm
“Ham Wallet” made me LOL at work. Thanks
By Bernd, January 23, 2009 @ 2:41 pm
Well, since starting to read this blog my slang vocabulary has expanded dramatically, I now have Urban Dictionary as one of my favorites. Though, most of the time I wished afterwards I wasn’t so fracking curious. Ugh.
M-I-C—K-E-Y—M-O-U-S-E
lalala
By Hayden, January 23, 2009 @ 3:04 pm
six feet under is great!
By Ryan, January 23, 2009 @ 3:11 pm
Bernd: I’ve definitely wondered why anyone would think of doing some of those things, let alone come up with a name for them.
I guess that if one wanted to do those things, one would also not want the general public to know about it.
By Mark, January 23, 2009 @ 3:16 pm
I’ve always wanted to take a two week cross country road trip, avoiding Interstates as much as possible. Eaiting in diners, staying in cheap motels, and visiting cheesy tourist spots along the way.
Wow I sound old!!
Oh yeah
By polt, January 23, 2009 @ 3:19 pm
Bloodhound Gang! Great band! The Ballad Of Chasey Lain! I Wish I Was Queer! OutSTANDing songs! Love them!
HUGS…
By Procrastamom, January 23, 2009 @ 3:55 pm
Craig, you HAVE to see Slumdog Millionaire. You just do.
(then do one of your movie reviews on it)
By Bernd, January 23, 2009 @ 4:16 pm
Ryan, very often I think, that people’s imaginations are just going haywire on them, so they have dirty minds but not necessarily dirty fingers. It’s a cry for help …
to get laid
By Tam, January 23, 2009 @ 4:23 pm
Mark: A road trip sounds fun. I’ll come with ya. Does that mean I’m old? Sigh. I am old.
I’m planning a road trip to the US this summer with my daughter and yet I really don’t like having to drive far. I could be a whiney road-tripper, but if I’m driving I can stop whenever I want. So maybe it won’t be that bad. I think greasy diners are back in style. They have a whole show about them on Food. Oh wait, I’m watching Food Network. Yep old. (And really really really bored right now and stuck in the office until …..)
By brad, January 23, 2009 @ 4:28 pm
If your only worry at work is whether they think you wear too much argyle, listen to this. We have an office of about 30 people. One day, my first day back after a two week vacation, and unbeknownst to me, they had decided to have an “everyone dress like brad day.” This consisted of everyone wearing jeans, an untucked button up collared shirt with a v-neck sweater over it. At first I didn’t get it or notice it, until someone asked me if I noticed anything. I said everyone is wearing similar outifts. She said, no, everyone is dressed like you! I said, “oh yeah! jeans, untucked shirt and a sweater!” And she said “a sweater one-size too small!”
By Craig, January 23, 2009 @ 4:33 pm
LOL! Brad, that is hysterical! Love the “a sweater one size too small!”
By john, January 23, 2009 @ 4:36 pm
Christian Ja is totally right, Slumdog is worth seeing for the credits alone. Awesome dancing.
Thanks for the well wishes everyone! The interview went *really* well. My only concern is I may be too expensive, but I indicated I was flexible.
Polt is right: Bloodhound Gang is great. I also love Mope and I Hope You Die. Craig, I think I may need to send you some new music too.
By john, January 23, 2009 @ 4:38 pm
Brad: We did that to one of our Docs one year of Halloween. Khakis, blue oxford, red tie and a banana (a real banana, not the figurative one) in the pocket.
The one size too small sweater was hysterical!
By Ryan, January 23, 2009 @ 4:45 pm
john & polt: I haven’t listened to much Bloodhound Gang, but I like what I’ve heard. The weird thing is that I hate the Black Eyed Peas because of their vulgarity yet Bloodhound Gang is probably at least as vulgar. I think it is because Bloodhound Gang is clever and irreverent in their vulgarity while Black Eyed Peas are creepy in a Howard Wolowitz kind of way.
By Mark, January 23, 2009 @ 5:02 pm
Tam: Yeah, that’s why I want to take a road trip. I can stop for as long as I want and there’s no annoying tour guide trying to herd me like cattle.
Ryan: The Bloodhound Gang can be scary vulgar too; see: “The lap dance is always better when the stripper is crying”.
“Hard boiled eggs in a tube sock” always makes me laugh though.
By Tam, January 23, 2009 @ 6:25 pm
Mark: Ohhh, you’re the Borg Queen now. How cool.
By Chris, January 23, 2009 @ 7:44 pm
Your distant-co-workers probably just refer to you as that “Cute Argyle Guy”.
I can sometimes be a loner, but I have never intentionally taken a vacation alone. I suppose that I tend to need other people to convince me to travel. Due to the fact that a friend’s flight missed a connection I ended up spending the first few days of a European cruise alone. It wasn’t so bad being alone. But I did have more fun once my friend arrived.
I happen to like history, art and nature. If I had to take a vacation alone I might want to do day trips (perhaps with an occasional overnight) to visit (relatively) local areas with historical, natural, or artistic significance.
You may want to consider staying local, and then putting the money you would have spent on plane tickets and accommodations towards your future house.
By jenn, January 23, 2009 @ 9:16 pm
come visit me in San Francisco in the spring!
By bernd, January 23, 2009 @ 10:43 pm
We’ll interrupt the current program for this urgent announcement: Go see Slumdog Millionaire! Wow.
By Michelle M., January 24, 2009 @ 1:00 am
Well, now I’m picturing Spielberg hiding under his desk (or in a refrigerator) and dodging calls from Lucas.
I would suggest Denver (because I’m here!). But your best bet in Colorado is the mountains – and yes, Estes Park is beautiful. We’re planning on moving back to San Diego soon (we got an offer on our house). Visit us there (offer extended to Puntabulous commenters as well)! There’s so much to do – and I have this really cool book for you to autograph…
Dave S. “The arguyle”. Love it.
john: Good luck.
By Rich, January 24, 2009 @ 4:55 am
Unlike “Benjamin Button”, “Slumdog Millionaire” did not make me want to stab out my eyes/brain; so I’d say it’s a keeper. I just saw “The Reader” and “Frost/Nixon” this week, and liked “F/N” more, but “The Reader” just a bit less (still better than the book & “Button”). I think you should see “Slumdog”. I share your opinion of “Crash”. This was no “Crash”.
If you come to Ocean City, NJ, in the spring, we can walk arm and arm on the boardwalk with parasols and throw salt water taffy at children. (That’s what we do here. Fancy hats optional.)
By polt, January 24, 2009 @ 8:55 am
Rich: Ocean City NJ! my GOD, it’s been a long time since I thought about that place. Wen I was little, in the 70′s, we’d go there for a week EVERY summer. LOVED the mini-golf places all over the place. My parents loved the no-alcohol rules, or family friendly atmostphere or whatever. Probably haven’t been there in at least 20 years though.
HUGS>..
By Mark, January 24, 2009 @ 2:25 pm
Tam: I don’t know who I am anymore. Gravatar keeps switching me around. Don’t know the emoticon for shrugged shoulders, so just picture it.
By shawnp, January 26, 2009 @ 3:19 pm
Slumdog Millionaire is not a Bollywood film.
It is a fairytale of sorts a trait which many Bollywood films share.
There is a dance sequence during the end credits which is (hate to use the word) adorable.
By atari_age, January 30, 2009 @ 7:45 am
I know this is a dead thread, but seeing as I don’t hit many blogs anymore, at least it’s still January. In response to #3, though, I had to put out my own – evolving – thought re: cylons. (I tossed this out on televisionary, back after that epi, too). It’s my current working model, meaning it’s totally up for change as the evidence comes in.
OH! I’ll add, what if the connection in technology (helmets, skinjobs, etc) comes not from the Colonial cylons finding kobol-cylon tech but from that Greystone (name?) guy getting wind of that ancient tech?
Anyways, my comment pasted from televisionary: