Just a made for TV movie?

At the beginning of this summer FX released a tv movie entitled Oil Storm. Here is one viewer's synopsis of the film. I wonder what he thinks of it now.

7 out of 9 people found the following comment useful:-America over the barrel, 6 June 2005Author: wardcullum from Nashville, TN

"Oil Storm" is the latest made-for-TV movie to use what is rapidly becoming a tiresome technique: a faux-documentary retrospective that details the events that led up to a disaster.

The story opens in the near future, Labor Day weekend of this year, and describes a chain reaction that leads to global economic turmoil. Drawing from a collection of worst-case scenarios, the film portrays an America in chaos after the oil supply chain is disrupted. Political efforts to alleviate the problems caused by the oil shortfall predictably fail, and the result is a crisis that makes Americans (at least the ones portrayed in the film) question their reliance on oil.

While some may portray the film as anti-Bush, it feels more anti-oil, anti-conspicuous consumption. Political actions in the movie are framed within the context of the current behavior of many of the major global political players - US, Russia, China, Saudi Arabia - and generally might not be too far off the mark.

The contingency planning and consideration of viable alternatives is simplistic, but thankfully, the writers at least avoid the "Mexico closes the border" cliché. In short, the film is about as interesting as watching a tanker spill cleanup.
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Click here to read more about this FX movie.

A Day Late and 25 Dollars Short

This is a picture of my single-day, overdue inspection sticker. I really don't know how many states enforce an annual vehicle inspection, but Illinois is not one of them. Moving to New Hampshire has introduced many fabulous qualities and many annoying ones. I think it fair to say that the mandatory car inspection is one of the obnoxious attributes.

For those, like myself prior to relocation, who do not understand this concept, I shall do my best to provide an explanation. For some odd reason, the State of NH would prefer not having a load of jalopy rides breaking down on the side of their highways and roadways. They like low accident percentages that would be due to faulty brakes or the random, flinging windshield wiper. Whatever that is about. What it really means is that you will never be able to drive your car into the ground. They actually make you pay for a new bumper because in these parts, duct tape is not an acceptable feature. It now costs $50 for them to probe my car year after year.

Upon the purchase of my car, the above sticker was already in place. I thought that was a pretty snazzy deal until I realized that the sticker should match my birth date. So, in six months, I will most likely be repeating the process. Another $50.

Should I get pulled over before Friday (when I am scheduled to take Curtis in) I could be charged $250 and towed on the spot. Boy, am I excited.

In better news, I bought an iTrip from Target yesterday. What a beautiful thing it is. I can use it on any FM stereo. No longer do I have to listen to the crappy Top 40 stations at work, but I can instead enlighten those sitting about me with real, good music. If you have an iPod and you don't have the iTrip yet, I highly recommend splurging the 25 bucks.

Some people should be set on fire.

Yes, it is true. This man is really mooning the hurricane. "Take that you big swirling storm of precipitation! You'll think twice before you do this again, now won't you?"

Think you have it bad?

This is Faith. This lopsided puppy was born without her two front legs. I watched the video last night and about fell to the floor laughing. Don't get me wrong, I am slightly sentimental so part of me was excited that this K-9 can function quite well; however, they put the thing on a leash! I mean, is it really necessary to put a hopping dog on a leash?! All you have to do is touch it on the back of the head and it probably topples over. Please click here to watch the video. You won't regret it.

And while you are at it, click here and check out this somewhat related Strongbad email.

Get a Room

The weather is quite amazing this week. Thick, rolling, white fog has obstructed the view from my bedroom three mornings in a row awaking me with a content sigh and smile. I love Fall. It is as if the season is taunting me...plotting its arrival.

Due to the onslaught of cooler temperatures and weakening humidity, I decided to drive out to Lake Massebesic with my new companion Through Painted Deserts, my soft mexican blanket, and camera just in case a photo op presented itself.

Experiencing delight in the cool breeze and open pages before me, one should imagine the disdain that abruplty interrupted my moments of peace as a single red vehicle pulled up beside mine. From within the Neon came a slight shriek that initiated a jolt down my spine. "Faaaantastic." I sarcastically muttered aloud. Evidently WD-40 was not on this woman's shopping list, the door swung open with extreme caution, slowly sighing a squeak and creak that seemed to announce the obese couple emerging as trumpets should proclaim the arrival of a prince.

Figuring I could properly ignore my new friends, I turned slightly towards the lake and repositioned my blanket as to hide them from view; no matter how I tried to twist and turn they remained within my peripheral vision. Figuring it possible to ignore them turned into an accomplishment and for a solid ten minutes, I completely forgot they were there. Until I lifted my head from Miller to take in my surroundings.

What was once a refreshing moment of the day soon turned my stomach sour. Sitting off to the right, the couple was nuzzling, necking, and certainly not hiding the fact that they were attempting further than publically appropriate physical contact. The look of horror and disgust on my face could not be hidden. The rather large woman, in little clothing, made eye contact with me...smiled...and pulled her man closer. I threw the blanket over my head, praying that they would just go away.

Seriously, what on God's green earth were they thinking?

They did go away...but the image, burned into my skull, ruined my book and haunted me for an hour following.

How may I serve you?

The key in advertising - hooking your customer within the first three seconds. Senseo, the European coffeemaker, successfully latched me the moment I laid eyes on its clever beauty. You may not be a coffee drinker and still find delight in this product. I mean really...just take look at it... The machine is so gentlemanly. It looks as though it bends over just to pour your coffee as if saying, "Here, ma'dam. I hope you enjoy your hot beverage." I'm sorry, but it just doesn't get any better than that.

Since that moment so many months ago, I have thought back on this clever mechanical device pondering its mission and the brilliant minds behind its design. Never in my wildest dreams did I think the black beauty would personally serve me. Until Monday when Stephanie made such dreams come true by presenting me with the gift. Thank you, Stephanie! You saw me curtsy like the coffeemaker. You heard me giggle with glee. And here it is, two days later and the joy still abounds.

I tip my hat to the Senseo as he tips his hat to me.

Simple Pleasures

It was a balmy, yet comfortable evening. Around eight o'clock my heart fluttered with anticipation as I made my way to the edge of the lake waters. On the brink of the horizon was a golden sunset that was brilliant enough to take my breath away. Off to my left were two more of my loves, a professional photographer eager to capture the hour before us and behind him a young woman with a silver telescope pointing towards the North Star, enjoying the setting sun yet anticipating the disappearance of the whisking light so her hobby could unfold. Lost in the elements around me I quickly snapped back to the moment I was in and wondered how anyone could not believe that a divine being created all of this. Perhaps I should have spent more time thinking on this, but I was gathered back into the beauty around me and I just sat in the sand with a stupid grin on my face. I'm glad I get it.