Post Dinner Discussion

As the ever classic Canon in D played in the background my girlfriend turned to me asked, "If we got married right now, who would you want to be your groomsmen?"
This scenario sounds like an overly attached girlfriend meme, but it is also not what happened.  I was actually listening to "I Can't Wait to be King" from the Lion King when out of no where I was hit with the question,"If I could pick celebrities to fulfill the roles of my groomsmen, who would I pick?"  I also didn't have this conversation with some girl who has marriage at the front of her mind.  Instead I debated and discussed this topic with my wonderful roommate.
We both mulled over many options and decided that we had to narrow down the list of candidates down to four.  My roommate's list originally included:

1. Zach Braff
2. Aziz Ansari 
3. Edward Norton
4. Samuel L. Jackson
5. Steve Carrell 
6. Charles Barkley 
7. Morgan Freeman
8. Jim Gaffigan.

After some light discussion he had his mind made up that he would pick Zach, Aziz, Steve, and Samuel as his four.  He picked Aziz and Zach because he figured that they would both provide some funny commentary.  Steve Carrell's nomination was based upon him playing an awkwardly funny character most of the time, while Samuel L. Jackson was picked with the hope that he would just be "cool" to have there.

I had a little bit of trouble with my list, but ended up with: 

1. Aziz Ansari
2. Morgan Freeman
3. Donald Glover
4. Danny Pudi
5. Jason Segal
6. Jim Gaffigan
7. Joseph Gordon-Levitt
8. Joel McHale

I had a really hard time narrowing this list down to just four groomsmen, and at one point considered throwing in a wild card with Nathan Fillion.  However, I ended up picking Aziz, Donald, Jason, and Joel.  I just think the four guys would be a funny group to have.  I don't feel like I would have a problem with any one of them making a toast at my wedding, and their commentary would help me get through, what is a depicted as, a stressful/major event.   

I still couldn't tell you how I made the connection from The Lion King to celebrity groomsmen, but it was a really fun discussion to have.  The four guys I picked would be a great group of guys to hang out with.  Now I just need to find a bride...and become friends with those guys...

Wait those hashtags don't go there!

"Hashtags only work on Twitter.  Now you know."
"What is this? Twitter?"

These are some of the kinder responses I have seen to people using hashtags on Facebook.  Using a hashtag on Facebook doesn't seem like a huge deal...No one ever died over it!  Although, people feel the need to remind and point out how Twitter is a completely different website with its own quirks and perks.  Using a hashtag on Twitter always people to find tweets from other people about the same subject. Its a cool categorization system if you asked me.

The main reason that I like hashtags is that it allows the poster to convey an emotion or idea which leaves less room for misinterpretation.  The social networking sites and texting a like have suffered from lacking the ability to really convey emotion or context due to the concise writing.  The hashtag eliminates this by allowing you to throw a hashtag in there, which is the primary use of them.  In fact, its because of this that I wish that people on Facebook would use them more often.

Well Played!

*Applause*

My Two Cents: Taken and Pitch Perfect

Sequels are notorious for being a let down in comparison to the first movie in a series.  However, I have never heard of a sequel taking the basic idea of the first movie and adapting it.  This is my observation with Liam Neeson's Taken 2.  The people producing this movie are walking a fine line between basically releasing a reboot with the second movie.  Oh wait! Liam Neeson isn't saving his daughter this time.  You're right its a completely different plot line...I have already read that Taken 3 is in the works and I can only imagine that Liam Neeson's dentist is the next target.

On a positive note, however, I went and saw the movie Pitch Perfect.  I'll be really honest, I didn't have high hopes.  It was a Friday night and I really only went because there wasn't a lot of other options for entertainment that evening.  The movie ended up being great.  Anna Kendrick stole my heart with her college angst.  The main draw of the movie is the music which ended up being incredibly well done.  The movie is about competing A Capella groups which can be iffy, but the musical mash-ups were very good.  So good in fact that I have often found myself listening to the Pitch Perfect soundtrack on Spotify.  Ben Platt did a wonderful job as the awkward side character who couldn't really fit in with the A Capella crowd which leads the audience to root for him throughout the film.

I'd highly recommend going to check out Pitch Perfect for the musical movie buffs, but I can't bring myself to pay for Taken 2. I'll probably end up watching it when I don't have to pay more than 1$ for it.

Literature

I really enjoy this quote by Mark Twain for two different reasons.  My first reason is the meaning that, at least I assume, it is trying to convey that reading bad books is no better than not being able to read.  However, the second reason I like this quote is that it brings up the idea of good vs bad in a literature sense. As students we are always taught that the classics by famous authors are almost always "good" books.  I may not enjoy reading some of the books, but I sometimes can understand their additions to the history of literature.  What defines a good book can really come across as an issue of perspective.  In high school I remember reading The Catcher and the Rye  because I had heard that it was a good book and I knew it was written by a notable author.  However, the entire time that I read the book I couldn't really get into it.  I didn't really relate with the characters and I felt like Holden just complained the entire time.

It is necessary to look at myself during the time that I read the book in order to understand my evaluation though.  The age and experiences of a reader can really impact how the book is perceived.  As a high school senior I thought the book was alright and a waste of time, but my opinion of the book now could be drastically different.  This can apply to many different subjects and not just literature but it brings up an interesting point of, "Did the book change, or did I".   The answer is most certainly that I changed, but then it spurs the questions of how and for better or for worse.

A Historical Mash-Up like I've Never Seen

There once was a man.  This opener is incredibly vague, and could go in any direction, but the direction I plan on taking it in involves Mikey Neumann.  I recently came across a set of books called The Returners which is written by Mr. Neumann.  I call them a set of books, but they are technically episodes for a single story.  The Returners focuses on a number of historical figures that have ended up being reincarnated with their old memories.  They go along living their new lives until someone decides to kill them off.  Mr. Neumann does a phenomenal job of emphasizing each historical figures' primary traits and how this these traits would be utilized in each modern scenario.  I know what you're thinking, "But Max, I am too busy to go out to a book store to read this book, and I don't have enough money to spend on a new book."  Well luckily for you and myself, the books are free to read online at http://bozpublishing.com/index.php and if you wish to take them with you they are available on the Amazon market for only a dollar!

My concerns with Facebook.

"What's on your mind?" 

A simple question that can often mean someone is trying to pick one's brain in an attempt to better understand that individual's current mood or actions.  That's how I would describe the phrase and its usage, but that seems pretty technical.  I might also consider the question as a modern day friendship test.

Today's society is, without a doubt, very connected.  Social networking has become a staple in many people's lives with many people turning to Facebook to stay connected to friends.  However, when forced to spend a lot of time with other people it becomes increasingly easier to find those peoples faults and find them irritated.  In today's society, Facebook plays a large part into this.  For instance I often talk to my friends who will mention something that popped up on their news feed that bothered them or thought was annoying, dumb, or frustrating.

I tend to sympathize with these people.  I often will come across a Facebook status or picture that I just shake my head and think to myself, "Why?"  I have no one to blame but myself though.  Facebook allows people to post things through a simple medium and question.  Facebook asks, "What's on your mind?" and all a person has to do is type whatever they want.  Its a question that can be incredibly dangerous.  I can't necessarily be mad at someone for posting what is on their mind because I too indulge in the luxury of posting my thoughts on Facebook.  People very well may think that the things that I post are a waste of time for them to read or that they can't believe that I would write something like that.

I sit hear listening to some Matt & Kim, while I try and think of a way to wrap up this nugget of information I compiled together, and I don't know necessarily how I want to do it.  Sometimes it is best to be frank, which leads me to say; to each their own.

Now Playing

I feel like I have really slacked when it comes down to my writing.  I take that back I don't feel,  I am one hundred percent sure that I have slacked.  Things get in the way and priorities may be misplaced, but I do truly enjoy writing and think that it keeps me sharp.  So, I am going to try and get more stuff up whether it be about something worth reading or just something to keep me sane during the stressful times that college can inflict.

Currently, I am preparing for my first class of the day.  I like to listen to music while I drink my coffee and prepare for the day.  Today my musical selection has focused upon the sounds of Johnny Flynn and Bohola. One of the things that I am actually happy to see from Spotify is the section where you can see what your friends are listening to, because that is how I came across Bohola.

Johnny Flynn's modern folk music conveys a sense of calmness.  When ever I hear his music I enter a sort of "rainy day philospher" mood.  Bohola, on the other hand, is a more up beat Celtic sound.  I started playing the violin in the fourth grade and I love the sound of Celtic strings.  The music just makes me happier.  So, today I am starting the day with sort of an analytic optimist

Spring Season Cosmic Encounter Stats

The Maxwell House Cosmic Encounter league decided to keep track of stats for the spring season.  Although it is a shorter season it was still filled with many exciting games which the addition of Cosmic Alliance helped with.
 
                  Single          Team               Total                 Total                        Avg.
                    C/G             C/G             Games                Victories                Wins
Max:              5                   4                   6                        4                        .666
Chris:            4.5                4.5                 4                        2                        .500
Gabe:            4.25              3                    6                        2                        .333
John:             1.5                2                    3                        0                        .000
Tim:              4                   4.5                 3                        1                        .333
Graeme:        2                   1.5                 3                        0                        .000
Bob:              2.5                0                    2                        0                        .000
Nathan:         4                   0                    1                        0                         .000
Micah:          4.5                 0                    2                       1                         .500


C/G = Colonies / Game

Also Noteworthy:  Chris fulfilled Tic Tok alternate win conditions and Micah makes a great Butler.

Business

This is my business manifesto. For the Portland Office.

Now, is the time.
Now, we prove all doubters, cynics, and critics that they don't know us.
We will change the game.
It will be reinvented.
There comes a time when re-evaluation becomes a necessary evil that requires us to reconsider our focus.
Change.
Build.
Conquer.
Then we will dominate
By repositioning ourselves
By focusing on our Passion
By remembering the Alamo.
The time has come for us to accept not only victory but to acknowledge our defeats with an open mindedness that will allow us to change those losses into future victories.
Faxes.

That is so Mario.

Turning down Mario was probably a mistake.  That guy became famous.

Alison Brie?!

I just found out that there is a tumblr page entirely devoted to Alison Brie's boobs.  Completely ridiculous, but Alison Brie is pretty hot.

Save Greendale

#sixseasonsandamovie

Why?

I stumbled across this on the internet and it made me think.  I started pondering how I would respond to the inevitable flooding of questions from young offspring.  I'd be incredibly detailed like this.

A DIALOGUE WITH SARAH, AGED 3: IN WHICH IT IS SHOWN THAT IF YOUR DAD IS A CHEMISTRY PROFESSOR, ASKING “WHY” CAN BE DANGEROUS

By Stephen McNeil

SARAH: Daddy, were you in the shower?
DAD: Yes, I was in the shower.
SARAH: Why?
DAD: I was dirty. The shower gets me clean.
SARAH: Why?
DAD: Why does the shower get me clean?
SARAH: Yes.
DAD: Because the water washes the dirt away when I use soap.
SARAH: Why?
DAD: Why do I use soap?
SARAH: Yes.
DAD: Because the soap grabs the dirt and lets the water wash it off.
SARAH: Why?
DAD: Why does the soap grab the dirt?
SARAH: Yes.
DAD: Because soap is a surfactant.
SARAH: Why?
DAD: Why is soap a surfactant?
SARAH: Yes.
DAD: That is an EXCELLENT question. Soap is a surfactant because it forms water-soluble micelles that trap the otherwise insoluble dirt and oil particles.
SARAH: Why?
DAD: Why does soap form micelles?
SARAH: Yes.
DAD: Soap molecules are long chains with a polar, hydrophilic head and a non-polar, hydrophobic tail. Can you say ‘hydrophilic’?
SARAH: Aidrofawwic
DAD: And can you say ‘hydrophobic’?
SARAH: Aidrofawwic
DAD: Excellent! The word ‘hydrophobic’ means that it avoids water.
SARAH: Why?
DAD: Why does it mean that?
SARAH: Yes.
DAD: It’s Greek! ‘Hydro’ means water and ‘phobic’ means ‘fear of’. ‘Phobos’ is fear. So ‘hydrophobic’ means ‘afraid of water’.
SARAH: Like a monster?
DAD: You mean, like being afraid of a monster?
SARAH: Yes.
DAD: A scary monster, sure. If you were afraid of a monster, a Greek person would say you were gorgophobic.
(pause)
SARAH: (rolls her eyes) I thought we were talking about soap.
DAD: We are talking about soap.
(longish pause)
SARAH: Why?
DAD: Why do the molecules have a hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic tail?
SARAH: Yes.
DAD: Because the C-O bonds in the head are highly polar, and the C-H bonds in the tail are effectively non-polar.
SARAH: Why?
DAD: Because while carbon and hydrogen have almost the same electronegativity, oxygen is far more electronegative, thereby polarizing the C-O bonds.
SARAH: Why?
DAD: Why is oxygen more electronegative than carbon and hydrogen?
SARAH: Yes.
DAD: That’s complicated. There are different answers to that question, depending on whether you’re talking about the Pauling or Mulliken electronegativity scales. The Pauling scale is based on homo- versus heteronuclear bond strength differences, while the Mulliken scale is based on the atomic properties of electron affinity and ionization energy. But it really all comes down to effective nuclear charge. The valence electrons in an oxygen atom have a lower energy than those of a carbon atom, and electrons shared between them are held more tightly to the oxygen, because electrons in an oxygen atom experience a greater nuclear charge and therefore a stronger attraction to the atomic nucleus! Cool, huh?
(pause)
SARAH: I don’t get it.
DAD: That’s OK. Neither do most of my students.

I don't own this work or take credit for it any way.  It is the intellectual property of Stephen McNeil. 

Happiness

"Nothing would make me happier than to be happy."

Mark Wahlberg

Mark Wahlberg and faith

Rough draft of Micah in Norway

Here is a short excerpt from the upcoming short story called Micah in Norway. It is also a tentative title.  Most of the story is told in under 140 character segments with hastags straight from Twitter.  That was how the whole story came together anyways.

Micah in Norway

This adventurous story began with ominous messages.

Micahleaverton: Yikes folks

Micahleaverton: Oh man oh man oh man. #yikes

Micaheleaverton: They all look so dead

These messages didn’t go unnoticed.

ChuckByTheMin: @Micahleaverton you alright man!? #worried #goodorbad

And Micah was quick to downplay the scenario.

Micahleaverton: @ChuckByTheMin, I'm good man, thanks for your concern! Just an interesting situation. I'll tell you later.

However, some saw the truth.
PapaJFash: @Micahleaverton Micah Man! Are you visiting some kind of post apocalyptic Norway? Your tweets are leading me to believe so. #confunded

Maxmillz23: News report shows @Micahleaverton is in an apocalyptic Norway. #prayforhim #ifitwasuptomicah
Maxmillz23: @Micahleaverton revision: post apocalyptic Norway

As reports of Micah’s well-being flooded in, survival seemed a daunting task.

Maxmillz23: Micah update: he is surviving post apocalyptic Norway despite having to eat only mashed potatoes for two days.
Maxmillz23: Micah update: he has the eye of the tiger on his ipod on repeat to stay focused. #goodluckmicah
Maxmillz23: Micah update: he has stumbled upon a pile of candy bars. They appear to all be butterfingers. Post apocalyptic Norway and butterfingers

Maxmillz23: Micah update: not actually a pile of butterfingers, just a hay stack. Micah has begun to hallucinate. #Norway

The conditions took their toll on the young protagonist.
Maxmillz23: Micah update: not actually a pile of butterfingers, just a hay stack. Micah has begun to hallucinate. #Norway

ChuckByTheMin : #ifitwasuptomicah that hay would be a heap of butterfingers

His preparations were flawed.

PapaJFash: @maxmillz23 Does @Micahleaverton know that the bear he's trying to capture isn't crucial to refueling the plane? #norway #heswastingtime

Micahleaverton: @PapaJFash, I'm starving! Besides, if I keep my adrenaline up I'll stay warmer. It's freezing. #norway
Micahleaverton: These jean shorts are cold. #norway

Intellectual property of Maxwell J. Holle.  Can not be copied, reproduced or distributed without proper written consent from the owner. 

Update

A couple of new videos. I have always been a big Remi fan and a couple of months ago I stumbled upon the Improv Everywhere team. These videos are also featured on the video tab. No Pants Subway Ride! Sheep (Remi)

Things I would like to see on Community

1) I am surprised that Brita's previous foot modeling career has never been brought up. It is mentioned during the first episode that Brita had this previous career. I don't think it deserves a major storyline, but something along the lines of Jeff finding the pictures and them being ridiculous or something.

2) It would be a funny short scene if they walked by their old Spanish room. Just something along the lines of it being like a prison or something else.

3) A medieval paintball episode.  That'd be pretty cool in my opinion.  Just because I really want to see paintball catapults.

Math meets Pokemon

Two nerdy versions of myself are entertained by this comic.  The math nerd and the pokemon nerd.

Community vs How I Met Your Mother

My favorite television show is hands down Community.  I don't even have to think twice.  However there is another really cool show called How I Met Your Mother.  Recently I began re-watching the How I Met Your Mother series and there are some interesting ties between the two shows.  It doesn't really mean a lot, but I do enjoy finding these connections.

#1  The 88.

The 88 is a four piece rock band.  They also perform the title song for Community.  It is a great song and the only song of theirs that I own.  How does this band tie in with How I Met Your Mother?  It is the same band that Lily and Marshall hope to get for their marriage.  They are feature in the prom episode where the group breaks into a high school prom in an attempt to find out if The 88 could play their wedding song.