Remarkably Unremarkable.

I must have a really generic looking face. Every time a stranger talks to me I know I'm going to get compared to someone. Today I got compared to a customer's doctor. As she was telling me that I looked just like her doctor I decided I would compile a list of every person I've been informed I resemble.

• Daniel Radcliffe
• Elijah Wood
• Joaquim Phoenix
• Salvador Dali
• Salma Hayek (idk lol)
• Bear Grylls
  
• Gary Sinise
• Michael Cera
• Mark Mothersbaugh (lead singer of Devo)
• Seth from the OC (I had to look that one up. I don't see it at all)
  
• Tobey Maguire
• Napoleon Dynamite
• Some random Russian pop star I never got the name of.
• And lastly, random customer's doctor.
  

Basically, I look like any nerdy looking dude with glasses. Which doesn't surprise me, because that sounds like me.

In unrelated news, I finished reading The Strain. It started off slow, but eventually picked up. It was a fast read and the writing was solid. One thing that bothered me involved a CDC researcher dumping potentially dangerous chemicals of unknown identity down a sink. There were some very memorable scenes and the vampires were feral, bloodthirsty, pale monstrosities. Just the way I like 'em. Overall, it's a decent read that isn't without its faults.

I've already started reading Catcher In the Rye. I'm not really enjoying the writing style. I understand he's writing as if it's Holden Caulfield's diary, but I just wish he could come up with a few more adjectives other than "goddam". It doesn't help that all of the characters are douchebags. All that said, the book has introduced me to a new phrase that has become a welcome part of my vernacular. That phrase would be "give her the time". Thanks, Salinger!

"Well, the first thing is that I love monsters, I identify with monsters." - Guillermo del Toro

Guillermo del Toro is easily one of my favorite directors. He always manages to take dark material and infuse it with a certain fantastical charm that never fails to entertain. Pan's Labyrinth was a terrific dark fairy tale, where the struggle of the Spanish Civil War was mirrored by a world of fauns and fairies. Hellboy remains one of my favorite comic book movies because it succeeds in combining comedy and action while retaining a very dark, almost Lovecraftian feel. Blade II was fun, loud, and fast paced; all the qualities I look for in an action movie.

Apparently I'm a little late on this, but del Toro co-wrote and released the first of a trilogy of books in 2009 entitled "The Strain", which promises to tackle the weighty issue of vampires in NYC. I'm a little sick of hearing about vampires, but I have to admit my interest is piqued after listening to del Toro talk(see link below). It should be a fun read at the very least. Just take a look at that charming fellow up there, if GDT could come up with that, I have no problem believing he can take vampires and make them interesting again.

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The Scared Crow

There stood a scarecrow on a farm

His wicked grin, it promised harm.

As he rested, his mind did wander,

through endless verdant fields of yonder

But to his perch it did return

And once again he stood alone.

How he wished a crow would come

To break this monotony.

If he could he’d fall to a knee

To implore for wanted company

But all he could was stand and sway

So stay and sway he did.

Against all odds a shadow came

The beat of its wings so majestic.

Its exultant cries untamed and so very unexpected.

The rhythm of wings beating, its herald

The scarecrow could scarcely believe it

A visitor! In his field of emerald.

His hope for naught

The scarecrow’s dreams are dashed

His visitor had felt unwelcome.

The scarecrow's stare, his straw hair, his tattered clothes that bound him

Their job was done, his guest refused, it left him.

The scarecrow stood on his pole feeling quite dismayed

His head hung low, his sadness he betrayed

His arms unmoving, his eyes downcast

As he stayed and swayed his pain eventually passed.

Driving Force

im·pe·tus: An impelling force; an impulse.

Plenty of things motivate me, this impetus most often comes from the desire to improve upon perceived weaknesses. However, it also seems to be a result of an ever present fear of stagnation. I may not know where I want this blog to go, but as of now I'll use it for general musings, music/literature reviews, as well as the posting of my awful attempts at short stories (if I feel so inclined). I tend to be my own greatest critic so don't be surprised if that last bit never comes to fruition.

Until then, enjoy this video of Clutch playing the song entitled "Impetus".

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