  =SEASON TWO= |
on the Sci-Fi Channel Commander Adama has been mortally wounded I will be hosting a BSG party |
Year: 2005
Words for Life
A long time ago a friend played the parody song Deteriorata performed by Norman Rose for me. Having a relatively short attention span, I listened (not so carefully) to the song the first time–but remembered and quoted many phrases from the lyrics thereafter.
A few years ago I happened across a copy of the song on Dr. Demento’s 3rd compilation set entitled: Dimensia 2000. Just recently I purchased a copy of the actual CD copy of the original record from which I heard the song. Here I present you with the lyrics for your enjoyment. Though the printed lyrics are funny, it does not give you the true feeling of the song accompanied by Norman Rose’s fantastic voice. So if you have a chance–pick up one of the aforementioned albums and give it a listen. It’s fantabulous.
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Deteriorata
Performed by Norman Rose
From The Greatest Hits of the National Lampoon
(Intro)
You are a fluke of the Universe. You have no right to be here.
Deteriorata
Deteriorata
Go placidly amid the noise and waste,
And remember what comfort there may be in owning a piece thereof.
Avoid quiet and passive persons unless you are in need of sleep.
Rotate your tires.
Speak glowingly of those greater than yourself,
And heed well their advice, even though they be turkeys.
Know what to kiss and when.
Consider that two wrongs never make a right,
But that three–do.
Wherever possible put people on “hold”.
Be comforted that in the face of all aridity and disillusionment,
And despite the changing fortunes of time,
There is always a big future in computer maintenance.
(Chorus)
You are a fluke of the Universe.
You have no right to be here.
(and) Whether you can hear it or not
The universe is laughing behind your back.
Remember the Pueblo.
Strive at all times to bend, fold, spindle and mutilate.
Know yourself. If you need help, call the FBI.
Exercise caution in your daily affairs,
Especially with those persons closest to you;
That lemon on your left for instance.
Be assured that a walk through the ocean of most souls,
Would scarcely get your feet wet.
Fall not in love therefore; it will stick to your face.
Gracefully surrender the things of youth: birds, clean air, tuna, Taiwan,
And let not the sands of time get in your lunch.
Hire people with hooks.
For a good time, call 606-4311.
Ask for “Ken”.
Take heart amid the deepening gloom that your dog
Is finally getting enough cheese;
And reflect that whatever fortune may be your lot,
It could only be worse in Milwaukee.
(Chorus)
You are a fluke of the Universe.
You have no right to be here, and whether you can hear it or not,
The Universe is laughing behind your back.
Therefore make peace with your God
Whatever you conceive him to be,
Hairy Thunderer or Cosmic Muffin.
With all its hopes, dreams, promises, and urban-renewal,
The world continues to deteriorate.
Give up.
(Chorus)
Batman Begins
Batman Begins is the best Batman movie to date. Don’t get me wrong I still appreciate and love both Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman and the 1966 cult classic. However, I’d like to vent for a minute and shame Tim Burton and Warner Brothers for not releasing a special edition DVD of the ’89 film. OK, end of all rants…
Batman Begins is almost flawless in it’s execution. They borrow the best bits of Batman lore right down to a carbon copy of Commisioner Gordon (still a Lt. in this film) played by Gary Oldman. Michael Caine’s Alfred gives emotion and humor to the otherwise stale Bruce Wayne played by Christian Bale. Rutger Hauer is your typical corrupt business man and executes his role with familiar poise. Morgan Freeman’s character Lucius Fox is the “Milton” of Wayne Industries. He’s been banished to the basement where he happily engages in testing prototype equipment and vehicles. You can see where that will lead. Freeman also offers a great deal of humor throughout the film.
They managed to make a film that held true to the more serious side of the Batman comics. It is the origin story again as well as a brand new telling of the up rise of crime in Gotham city. The origin differs slightly this time adding validity to Wayne’s transformation to the Batman. This time Gotham looks more like Chicago than New York and one can tell why when you learn the film was shot on location in Chicago. They somehow manage to keep the film noir and art deco feel of the city while bringing modern elements of mass transit and high-tech skyscrapers to the table.
Bale is a little dry at times but I enjoyed his performance as both Batman and Bruce Wayne and think that he is the best choice to date since Michael Keaton in the 1989 version and maybe Val Kilmer in the horrible [but not quite as crappy as Batman and Robin] Batman Forever.
The action sequences were the only part of the film that bothered me. They were cut choppy, fast and blurry–a style which I’ve come to loathe ever since I saw Gladiator. Though not as bad as Gladiator it was distracting and drew me out of the film. I really wanted to see Batman’s skill a little more. However, not all of the sequences were this bad as witnessed in the Batmobile scene. The Batmobile looks like it was taken straight out of The Dark Knight Returns comic book by Frank Miller. It is a perfect match for Bale’s coarse Batman. And wait until you see the Batcave.
Overall I’d have to give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars. It’s was truly excellent. I recommend anyone who grew up on Batman see it without a doubt–and those that didn’t–see it too.