10 Things that I love and even I declare being a sucker for…

You know what I really, really hate? Create labels for groups of people.

That’s right, when it comes to classify people for their tastes, beliefs of whatever, It just sickens me. Why people call you a hipster just because you hate extremely popular things? You are no different than a guy who loves following trends and “apparently” doesn’t like to think like an “individual”. Even that word makes little sense now. In this world nobody is unique when it comes to things that people enjoy like movies, shows or any kind of entertainment.

“Being number 1It's like being number 16, only even more people kiss your ass.”
-Kurt Cobian

For example, If I were a fan of Star Trek, the last thing I want is people referring to me as a “Trekkie”, because when that happens, people associate me with stupid, dated and unoriginal stereotypes that you see in shallow 2-dimensional TV series like the Big Bang Theory (By the way, I don’t hate that show, I just found it too formulaic sometimes), and because of that, I refuse to use labels like Trekkie, Metalhead, Hipster or Otaku, partly because I’m not any of these things.

But that does not mean that I hate everything in this world. I also love things like movies, shows, music and food. But I don’t want to annoy everybody around me shouting my devotion to those things. I want to enjoy it by myself instead of try to convince the others, and that’s why I have certain disdain for people who use labels as a form of identity. If this world were a Sitcom, those people would be poorly-written characters.

Now let’s move on to the main theme of this post: The things that I love the most and I celebrate in a list.

10-Create lists: Surprising, Huh? I´ve always been organized when it come to classify things in order to indicate what are my favorites. Not because I want the people know what I prefer the most, I just like the concept of create a competition between my favorite things. It makes me appreciate the stuff I love even more.

9-Documentaries: Either Infotainment or serious investigation, documentaries are the most enjoyable form of learning that I had. It’s so admirable the way that filmmakers use this medium to not only educate and inform, but also create art. For example, when you see a documentary about sea creatures, the magic is in the way they film by showing us the beauty, inviting us to be part of this experience while we learn about it. Like in a movie, the same way you create a story with characters you supposed to believe can sympathized with, it’s how you connect with the things showed in a documentary.

8-Gothic Artwork: A lot of people like to think that gothic is a person who always talks about the pain or how cruel the world has been done. Or I think those were the emos, I’m not sure. But the thing is that when it comes to art, the gothic style is awesome. The way they create a dark, depressing environment that, for the most part is based in dark colors, sharp forms and blurry backgrounds is so nice to watch. In fact, when I was a kid, my favorite Disney movie was “The Hunchback of Notre dame” because the gothic art style in the music, the backgrounds and the story. The same thing I can say about Tim Burton’s movies.

7-90’s Cartoons: First I thought it was nostalgia, but then I realize that I’m too cynical for that. I mean, it’s not only the fact that is something from the past, but the way these people managed o get away with a lot of stuff that in previous decades would have been unthinkable. The reason I mention this, is because when you grow up, your sense of humor changes. And things you found funny in the past now are just simple memories, but when you re-watch a 90’s Cartoon, and if you’re a 90’s kid like me, you realize that the jokes that you don’t get it or don’t found especially funny are hilarious now. Like the cartoon grew up with you and create a feeling of confidence between the followers and the show.

6-Juvenile Humor: I don’t consider myself the most sophisticated person in the world, but I do not consider a fan of Happy Madison productions either. I just love juvenile comedy whet it’s done right. I like shows like South Park who relies in off color humor the same way I like to read books about other cultures. The main reason I defend this kind of comedy it’s because makes people laugh hard. And just like Charles Chaplin said: “A day without laughter is a day wasted”. And if you try to deny that jokes involving shocking value made you laugh your ass off, then you’re a phony. But, it’s not just the humor, but also the way it’s used. When you make a penis joke, can be funny the first three times, but it gets old really quick. But if you use it in a context that generates a specific reaction, the joke gets more value.

5-Alternative Rock: Again, beyond the nostalgia, it’s the way these people connect with their followers. Either the grunge with their heavy sound and sad lyrics, or the Brit pop with their catchy tunes and optimistic attitude, the rock in the 90’s managed to gave an entire generation a reason to be alive in this world. The way they challenged the conventions of rock n’ roll, and their fight against the domination of the mainstream over their music, a lot of them reacted in their own way. Some of them broke up, some just decide to change the system entirety while were famous and some others just release what they want without thinking in what the others would say. DIY.  

4-Stanley Kubrick movies: This man was so cool that I needed to get him his own category. I don’t how he did it. There’s something about the way he directs, the angles he use, the long shots that create an uncomfortable atmosphere that is so unique that you can guessed that is Kubrick by watching just one scene. And the writing, it’s just perfect. Everything about the plot, the characters and the resolutions are so cold and calculated that makes you feel like you were there, not as a character, but as Kubrick himself. I’m a sucker for Kubrick’s cinematography.

3-Experimental films: When a movie goes beyond that just entertain you, but also challenge you to accept unpleasant realities through the strangest ways imaginable, you came across with an experimental film. A type of movie that doesn’t care what you think about it, a film that creates his own world, his own rules and invite you to reflect about anything. I love this kind of movies because their sense of self-reflection. It’s like finish in a place that you’re not supposed to be, where you live a changing-life experience and survived. That’s the experience I enjoy the most. I know that other people don’t like it because they prefer to see movies as simple entertaining, and that´s fine, no problem with that. But if you ask me, films must be an entertaining and unique experience, and the most unique and entertaining thing that comes to my head in moments like those are experimental films.

2-Meta jokes: If there was a reason to put “create lists” on this list, it’s because the more Meta my humor is, the more I feel that I’m evolving and moving forward. Everything it’s laughable in this world, even the comedy itself. That ubiquitous way the comedy works allow so many possibilities for all the funny people out there. Meta-humor it’s not restricted by standards or rules of comedy, it creates their own style while pay homage to others, and in the same time it mocks them. The reason I love Meta humor it’s because creates a sense of self-awareness about us. It’s the way we can comprehend the world and try to improve ourselves. Philosophical, cynical and self-referential, the Meta-humor is our biggest accomplishment as human beings.

1-Internet Reviewers: And just when I though there was nothing funny or original about the Internet, I came across with a man called Nostalgia Critic, with the premise of analyze films, making fun of them to entertain the millions of anonymous users that praise cynical dark humor combined with social interaction with the entertainer himself. There’s a lot of Reviewers like him, so go and check it. You won’t regret it.

And that was my list of things that I love. I hoped you have enjoyed and good night and take care.

A tribute to Harold Ramis

Well, it seems that is true and the last chance of Hollywood to create the third Ghostbusters movie is gone forever. Harold Ramis, the man who not only played Egon Spengler but also co-wrote the film died from a Vasculitis the last February 24.

I wonder If his Epitaph will be a quote from Ghostbusters, which would be kind of ironic considering he's dead... who knows

That’s exactly what I thought the first time I read the news, but the thing is: I don’t find correct associate him only with Egon or Ghostbusters, although is a great role and, of course wonderful movie. So I decided to do some research to talk about him and dedicate a post about his legacy. And for research I mean look up Wikipedia because unlike Ramis, I’m a lazy writer.

Now, I got to confess I never been a big ban of Ramis and his work due the fact that I was in the 90’s, so I’ve never got the chance to be part of the Ghostbusters fandom the time it was released in theaters. I guess I born too late to enjoy the wonders of the late 70’s and early 80’s (that and the fact that I born in a country that was under a dictatorship during that time, but I digress)

Harold Allen Ramis was born in November 21, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the son of Ruth and Nathan Ramis, a Jewish couple that had a grocery store and raised him as a Jew, although he never practiced any religion in his adult life.

During his childhood and adolescence he studied in public schools and he graduated from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri in 1966, where he embraced the rebel contra-culture of the 60’s writing satirical plays that would lead him to become editor from the legendary National Lampoon Magazine and their subsequent radio show spin-off and movies.

The success of the Magazine opened the door to new opportunities as a screenplay writer and Hollywood actor, writing and starring the successful Ghostbusters franchise, directing the cult classics Caddyshack and Groundhog Day (that was the first Ramis film that I saw)

Recognized by his writing skills, Ramis works frequently attacked the smugness of the upper class and bigotry through pep talks and clever observations.  His work in movies has been praised for his speed and energy mixed with subtle social commentary about the elitism of American society.

For example, a film like National Lampoon’s Animal House shows an accurate depiction of the rebellion of the students during that time. It’s a story about a fraternity who gets constantly marginalized both from the faculty as from the other students due his rebel behavior and rejection of the close-minded life of the institution.

They may have no specific ideals but they’re aware of the hostile environment surrounding them. But instead of follow the mentality of the group they decide to live as they wish. It doesn’t talk about the consequences of their acts; it just shows the over-the-top extremes from both sides and leave the message of the importance of be an individual.

And I wish to talk about more of this wonderful man, but I haven’t seen enough film yet. My point is that the few works I have seen from him are solid, clever and, of course funny as hell. And because of that, he earned this post and maybe more in the future. So I salute you Harold Ramis, rest in peace, go to heaven and eat God for Breakfast. Good Night everybody.

Community: at the Moment, the best sitcom I’ve ever seen in the last 10 years

TV these last years has become more popular, due the fact that shows can recreate the cinematography of the movies. Shows like Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones or The Walking Dead feel more like films than traditional TV dramas every time we see them.

Why? Maybe is the way they’re filmed, the pacing or the overall graphic content that years ago was expected only in a theatrical release,  but we all can agree that when we talk about adaptations, TV is the answer.

But wait… what about the sitcoms? I mean we all know the Sitcom formula… the funny scenarios, the relatable situations and characters and the hit or miss jokes that rely on a laugh track that just shows the lack of confidence that the writers had about their own material.

Don’t get me wrong, I love sitcoms like Seinfeld because the writing is good and the jokes are solid even without the laugh track. But the more is used, the more is abused… and man, there are a lot of them.

But in the most recent years, a new generation of Sitcoms has raised and suddenly, the laugh track started to be associated with lack of talent. Shows like Scrubs and Malcolm in the Middle became cult hits because their speed, their energy and of course good jokes and funny characters.

But If I had to choose my favorite of all these non-laugh track sitcoms that has became successful in the last 5 years, my answer would be: Community

Folks, these are some of the funniest people on the planet... I guarantee you that every one of them is going to make you laugh out loud at least once.

For those who don’t know this show, let me explain: Community is an NBC sitcom that premiered on September 17 of 2009 on NBC and rely on Meta humor and pop culture references as its main resource.

It’s about a sleazy lawyer called Jeff Winger (Joel McHale) which lied about his bachelor degree and need to go back to study to retrieve it. Winger enrolls in a community college called Greendale, managed by an eccentric Dean called Craig Pelton (Jim Rash). Jeff becomes attracted to a political activist woman named Britta Perry (Gillian Jacobs), and decides to create a Study Group just to spend time with her.

But Britta, aware of his intentions, decides to invite other classmates to the Group:

Abed Nadir (Danny Pudi): an Arabic-polish student with encyclopedic knowledge about TV and movies and has some problems to interact with people (it’s speculated that has asperger syndrome)

Shirley Bennett (Yvette Nicole Brown): a Christian single mother with entrepreneurship that wants to start a brownie business and it’s sort of like a mother to the other members

Annie Edison (Alison Brie): an obsessive-compulsive Jewish girl who always wants to be the top of their class and has some feelings for Jeff. She’s the youngest of the group

Troy Barnes (Donald Glover): Abed’s best friend and a former high school quarterback that went to the same school as Annie. He and Abed run a fictional show called “Troy and Abed in the morning”

Pierce Hawthorne (Chevy Chase): The oldest member of the group. A millionaire that due his bigotry and arrogance he’s the one who causes more conflicts inside the group

And there's also a non official member called Benjamin Chang (Ken Jeong) who was a teacher in the first season and it's extremely megalomaniac and insane. He's a lot of fun too.

Where do I begin with this show? Not only satirizes TV clichés, movies and aspects of human condition. But also manages to get a pretty solid writing with top notch jokes, excellent storytelling, perfect pacing and an overall epic feeling. Some of these episodes have some of the most over-the-top plots that I’ve ever seen in a live-action Sitcom.

For example, one episode it’s about Jeff playing an epic pool game against his teacher all because he doesn’t want to use the uniform that was required, other episode where the crew get trapped in a spaceship simulator and got parked and the only way to escape is simulating a rocket launch. And other episode involves a war with paintball that I won’t dare to ruin for you explaining it. Let’s just say that there’s loud laughs guaranteed.

They make everything, and I mean everything: animation, puppets, surreal jokes, parodies… and all of them hits bull’s-eye.

All I can do right now is recommended to all of you folks. Because I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that this show is hit after hit after hit. I would even dare to call it the Monty Python of this generation. It is THAT good.

And my friends, that is all I had to say. For now… Stay tuned for a deeper analysis of this wonderful show in the near future. Troy And Abed say goodbye.

Fandoms: 21th Century religion or just overreaction? god knows...

You know, when I started this blog and named it "Atheism and Religion are the same", I never expected to talk about religion. But then I remembered my early days on the internet when I was young and naive, when I used to have faith in humanity.

Until I realized that some people out there are kinda... complicated. Because every time I search for TV shows, movies or anything that resembles graphic entertainment most of the time found something like this:

It's okay... NOW you can let this picture slowly sink in your mind and haunt you in your nightmares

And that's not me seacrching for creepy stuff, pictures like this are highly used in forums, blogs and bla bla bla. My point is: Why people love to embarassing themselves in this way? because this kind of behavior is not very normal according to society standards. But for some reason people still praise this weirdness with the excuse that is funny.

And don't get me wrong, I love bizarre comedy when is done right. But sometimes it is taken too seriously. Resulting in fights about franchises where fans debate about things that doesn't have any relevance about the subject matter.

And that's why I make this question, because internet, for being a place where supposedly nothing is sacred, it certainly has the hability of awaken the most obsessive-compulsive behaviour of our own kind.

Religion exists because we always try to figure out what is the meaning of our existence. Some people think that God will reward those people for being good, tolerate and help the others. But when we let people that has very little connection with the modern world, control our spiritual beliefs through rules and standards with whom disagree, then we lose the way and divided our creeds. All of this leading us to debates that never gets anywhere and are just as pointless as the internet flamewars.

But: It is right to put internet fandoms and religion in the same same category? Yes and No...

While the behavior of both can be similar, you can argue that conflict and disagrrement is part of our human nature, and hence people always going to find excuses to fight, and when that happens they usually prefer to blame the subject of discussion instead of taking the responsability of their acts, but that depends on the person, I know that not all the folks in the world are evil.

And the religion is there not only to give answers, but also to teach us how to be responsible, that's why there are rules like go to church every sunday morning or try to resist our desires to do bad things. It's all about commitment with ourselves, our beliefs and the people we love.

Fandoms works in a different way. The difference is we can choose the things that we want to follow without any big compromise or rules that define the way we praise them. A christian can be fan of video games because it's enertainment, and it's not intended to changes their personal beliefs. But when that person dedicates his entire life to play games, talk about games, dress like video game characters and dedicate full hours to argue with other fans, that's pushing it into religious extremes, and therefore that person is no better that a priest that punish himself for no good reason.

So, what's my final veredict? I said that is important to recognize our flaws, so we can improve ourselves a little bit, and also let the people decide what they want. I know that sounds too obvious, but when the day that we actually follow this advice and start to take responsability of our actions comes, you may realize that for most of mankind it wasn't

And that's all I needed to say. Live long and prosper.

Mr Bungle's California: An analysis of one the most cryptic summer albums of all time

Hello and once again snipper-snappers all around the world, and welcome to my blog. As I said two weeks ago, I'm going to talk about something from my personal interests. Just like last year. And one of the things that I wanted to talk but I never had the chance to make is a post related to music.

That's right, This week I'm going to talk about a band. But not just any band and not just any album. This week the subject matter is going to be Mr. Bungle's California (1999)

Don't let the minimalist album cover fool you... this is one of the most complicated things you'll ever heard in your life

For those who don't know Mr. Bungle, It was an american avant-grade band from Eureka, California led by Mike Patton, known for being the singer of Faith no More, with Trey Spruance as lead guitarrist, Trevor Dunn as Bassist, and other musicans like Theo Lenn (saxophonist), Danny Heifest (Drums) and Clinton "Bar" Mckinnon in the reeds. They we're known for mixing different styles in unconventional ways. Like putting elements from ska music right in the middle of a Death Metal Song or backwards.

Unfortunately, the band made just 3 albums in their entire carreer: Mr Bungle, their self-titled album (1991), Disco Volante (1995) and of course California (1999). Apparently they don't have plans of get together once again. But, in some way, the things they made are so good, that 3 albums are just enough. Whatever.

California, their last work, is known for being thier most accessible album, with more individualistic songs and an overall surf rock sound mixed with jazz, hawaiian music, electro-funk, etc.

In fact, The album opens with the sound of the beach and let us dive into the sweet hawaiian riffs from "Sweet Charity", a song with a pretty catchy tune for this group. In fact, the melody is so mesmerizing that you don't even notice the small change of music style in 1:36. Every style in this song and this album works in harmony, unlike their previous recordings, where the chaos and irregularity were the premise of every song.

After that, we get right into the longest, and probably, the most complex song from the album: "None of them Knew hey were Robots", I mean, this song has at least 7 different sections that ranging from Jazz, Blues, Rockabilly and even music inspired in Tim Burton film scores. But despite the constant changes, the song flows very well, I mean it's very unconventional, but at the same time it's very catchy. Another interesting fact about this song is that some lyrics are in Latin. And because the song itself is about religion and the church, it fits perfectly and doesn't feel forced at all.

"Retrovertigo" in contrast with the previous song, is more traditional in terms of song structure. It's a classic Verse-Chorus-Verse song. Which, for Mr. Bungle is really rare. The Song itself is very Radiohead-ish, so much so that remind me "No surprises", but is the interpretation of Mike Patton that give the distinctive style to this track, and prove us that this group can make pop music. GOOD pop music.

But in the moment that "The Air Conditioned Nightmare" appears, things gets crazier and crazier. The song opens with the sweet hawaiian sound from "Sweet Charity", and then we immidiately move to a weird section that sounds like a mix between The Beach Boys and The Exorcist 2 Soundrack.After that we cut to the verse section that blend 50 horror music score part in the first and third verse, a Rock and Roll part in the second verse, and a Garage rock part in the fourth one. This entire section is repeated twice and then we cut to the chorus. And after the Chorus we return into the Hawaiian section, just to return to the chorus the last time and then we return to the hawaiian section and the song ends.

"Ars Moriendi" (Which means "The Art of Dying") is another crazy combination of ideas that co-exist harmonically in the same song. From Jewish music to arabic, to techno, to metal riffs and circus music that is reminiscent to their Self-titled album, this is one of my personal favorites. And just like "None of them knew...", it features latin verses that, oddly enough sounds very normal compared to the english verses. Let me explain, the entire Theme is sung with a strange foreign accent that match with the sound of Romance Languages. The creativity of this band overwhelms me.

And then we get to "Pink Cigarette", the only single from this album, which is a shame because songs like "Retrovertigo" o "Sweet Charity" could been big hits on the radio as well. The song itself sounds like a theme from a Quentin Tarantino movie, particulary the chorus that is reminiscent to Spaghetti Western music. The track is nice and full of atmosphere and stuff, but the thing that make this tune so memorable is the ending. I'm not going to tell you what is about, let's just say is one of the most clever moments in the album.

"Golem II: The Bionic Vapour Boy". This track it's just as strange as the title sounds. It's sort of like Stevie Wonder meets Techno mixed with creepy toy music. But what makes it even weirder it's, you guessed, the Mike Patton voice. His performance is very robotic (in a good way) and give the song that awkward atmosphere that is required. And by last but not least, adding some mainspring toy sounds and you got an awesome tune that works like clockwork (no pun intended)

"The Holy Filament" it feels HUGE. Every time I hear this song and close my eyes, I see the universe being created. with all their galaxies and planets evolving and expanding. This track sounds like Pink Floyd with all the atmosphere from the keyboards and the Guitar Riffs that sounds like echoes in the space. It's one of those songs that transport you into distant places and let you travel to the wonders of the unknown.

And because this is a summer CD, we return to the Beach Sounds with "Vanity Fair", a songs with a very 50's fashion and lyrics that talk about the people's obsession with their image (particulary famous people), it had a bridge section that reminds me "Your Mother Should Know" by the Beatles and some falsettos by Patton to compliment the music. And being the shortest song from the Album (it runs for 2:58) it's probably the weakest song from this record, but considering the greatness of the rest of the song, this one sounds awesome anyway.

And finally we close the album with a High Note with "Goodbye Sober Day", that, in my opinion it's one of the scariest recordings that this band made in their short history, and considering their previous work, that is saying a lot. We start the song with a catchy-as-hell jazz melody that suddenly stops and cut to a slower section with the atmospheric sound of the keyboard leading the instrumental part while Patton sings the title of the songs with a very creepy voice, with some little variations in the middle section. After that the instruments stops and we travel 3000 years in the past to the India, when when hear some priest chanting curses to their enemies (but trust me that's not the scariest part), and then we cut some Kecak war chantings that accelerates the music (but that's NOT the scariest part), and finally we return to the catchy jazz part from the beginning just to abruptly stops once again and THEN we get into the scariest part of the song when we heard the doors of hell opening and leading us into the dakness of the abyss and dissapear from the existence. BEST... END... EVER!!!

And THat was my review from Mr. Bungle California, I hope you enjoyed it and see you next time. Take care.

Guess who's back, Tell a friend, NC's Back, Back Again

Well, hello everyone and welcolme to the great re-opening of "Atheism and Religion are the same" blog.

Behave Youself or The Nostalgia Critic is going to put a bullet in your skull

Originally was a proyect for my English Class where I wrote about topics related to my personal tastes and stuff. And because I don't want to waste this account, I decided to give it a new a new purpouse... From now on, I'm gonna talk about all the topics that I wanted to touch in 2013, and I never had the chance to get into detail.

Of course I'm talking about movies, TV shows, music, current events, philosophy and all the things I consider interesting and stuff. If you don't care about those things, you can go somewhere else. But if you're here... good for you. I'm going to warning you that I'm not exactly the most interesting person in the world, so don't expect a full analysis or a professional opinion... I'm just an awkward guy in front of a computer in some part of the planet earth.

With that said, now I'm gonna tell you how the things are going to be:

1-The posts are every two weeks... If I don't write anything during that period of time, I'm gonna let you know...

2-If in the remote case I decided to use strong words in the post, I'm gonna put a warning advice in the beginning...

3-Everything said in this Blog It's all opinion... so try to understand the person who wrote before judging or just don't comment please...

Well I think that's it... I'll see you in two weeks... don't have a cow man...

You Know, I've Learned Something Today

When you're writing a weekly Blog from an English class level 3, you certainly ended up learning something about being methodic and responsible. I've never used Blogger before, so this was a totally different expererience in terms of work. As you can see, I'm not one of those folks who like to talk about their personal things, but if the teacher demands it, I guess I have no choice.

I know, farewells are always sad

At first, I didn't even know what could it be the most appropiate name for this Blog, that's why I pick the most random title I could think in that moment. But, looking back, I'm not sorry for naming it: "Atheism and Religion are the same", because it's the truth, unlike the fake statements from atheist nutballs like Richard Dawkins.

I personally enjoyed making these entries, even if the half of the time people couldn't read it for whatever reason. This proyect showed me that I actually have some personality, and that I have a lot of things to talk about, from inmigration controversies to teen dramas. My english vocabulary certainly has improved when I started to make these entries, because when you write a Blog in a different language than yours, you need to learn to keep it consistent and try to be very careful with the details. One word wrong, and the entire thing gets screwed.

But there are something I'd like point out. And that is I wanted to talk about more controversial topics aside from my personal tastes. I don't know, talk about current events, philosophy, political correctness or stuff like that. There's so many things I wanted to write about those things. And I don't care if people consider that pretentious or boring, I just love pushing buttons. I guess I am who I am because of that.

Well peolpe, I guess this is the last time you're going to read this Blog, so I hoped you enjoyed and have good luck in your future work as journalists, so goodbye, aloha, auf wiedersehen, live long and prosper, good night and good luck, see ya later alligator, that's all folks.