Off the Shelf: Don't Stand Too Close to a Naked Man

Yeah, the title is a bit off-throwing, but I promise it's not anything x-rated.

Don't Stand Too Close to a Naked Man
Tim Allen
210 pages

Honestly, I don't actually know much about Tim Allen as a stand-up comic, but I grew up watching Home Improvement as a kid, and I've also seen his Last Man Standing, so I was intrigued as to what kind of book he would write.  Starting off, you have to keep in mind that this man is not a professional author.  If you're looking for a clean-written biography, look for something else.  This is more an autobiography mixed with a bit of diarrhea of the mind/keyboard.  While not overly long, the fact that he seems to be a bit of a stream-of-consciousness writer does tend to complicated the reading a bit, so I just took it slow.

However, he is a comic who uses real-life situations to find the funny, and it shows in his book.  While I can't say I agree with everything he has to say, he does give some interesting insight in the male mind, using comedy as an offensive/defensive tool, and he puts an interesting spin on it.  For instance, just in the intro, you'll get to see such interesting things as saying the main reason he finally got off his duff and wrote the book is that his publisher kidnapped his cat, and this wonderful quote:

"The truth is that writing is a challenge.  It's great to see your stuff in print.  I also desperately wanted to see the words "fart lighting" and "sack" on a page." ~ ... Naked Man, pg 4

This book is an interesting mix of male/female worldviews, autobiography, comedy, history, parenting, and growing-up.  It's not all in chronological or even subject-cluster order, so that can be off-putting to some readers, but the honesty and hilarious first-person view is great.  I would recommend this mostly for adults, mainly those into autobiographies, or those with any interest in Tim Allen at all.  Also, if you're looking for just a glimpse into a male mind (as a female, that was intriguing to me) and what puberty and awareness can be like, it's not bad.

Is the book for all audiences?  No.  I think males may get more out of this book than women, though I do think it opens an insightful door that makes it good for either gender, and this book is definitely better suited to adults, or maybe college-level young adults.  Do I think it was worth the read?  Yes.

What's on Screen? : Tales of Halloween

I had a blast a few weekends back watching movies and working on character creation for a tabletop rpg. I am amused to say that it seems like we're not the only ones to have watched Tales of Halloween that weekend. It seems a lot of my friends think alike.  Which is both a positive surprise, and something I couldn't have planned. We've been watching mostly anime there, so it was a nice change to watch something new.

When me and my friends get together we have a tendency to pick out horror movies, or horror comedies to watch. That is if there's not some cartoon we've yet to see on the chart as being of interest. We only recently found out a newer member of our circle has a problem with zombies. Which might explain their aversion to horror films.

All in all, Tales of Halloween, is a cute film. It has some amusing scenarios, unbelievable mostly, but still interesting enough to keep the audience's attention. I must admit that I do think the number of stories made it drag a bit, as well as proved distracting. It was fun to try and see the places where the stories would overlap. Yet 11 stories in one movie, proves to have short stories, and limits the amount of depth the parts received.

If you're interested in a movie that has similarities to Tales from the Crypt, and other horror shows this will meet your expectations. There's a little bit of language. But it's not so gory that you couldn't watch it with older children (figure 11 and up). The costuming is fun, and even the computer animation was amusing. Watch closely and you'll see how the stories are woven together, lots of fun when you spot these things.

Have fun and don't scare yourself. Let someone else do that for you.

What's on Screen? Baby's Day Out

When it comes to the early 90's there's a ton of movies that are considered to be classic. But no matter who you ask, what these films are vary. But in our house as I grew up, there were some movies that were on constantly. Mr. Boogedy, Bushwacked, Home Alone, and the movie that we're watching today. Baby's Day Out.

My father loves this movie. Almost a little too much to be honest. We've probably had almost 50 copies of it through the years. I might be exaggerating slightly, but I want you to understand how important or beloved the film is. It still is. I found the copy I'm watching for someone else. My brothers children requested it for the holidays. But it wasn't to be found in time for that. But since I don't give up easily, I found it! I picked it up at a game store in Buffalo when I was hanging out with a good friend.

Movie Poster from Web

So why is this movie so much fun to watch? It's not hugely mainstream, so it's not like everyone has seen it. It doesn't have the greatest special effects, You can tell the gorilla isn't real. There's no hard core fighting. Instead there's a baby outwitting 3 grown adults while following the storyline of his favorite book.

While this might sound absurd, I have to admit it's actually enjoyable. The movie itself has a lot of the classic comedy physical humour that you would associate with other humorous film, such as Home Alone or most of the Three Stooges material. It is a great example of how exaggeration can be used to create amusing situations in unexpected manners.

If the weather has you feeling a little down and you need a laugh, I highly recommend this movie. I don't know how hard it might be to find, but if you can find it, I hope you see why it makes me laugh. Not just small giggle laughs, mouth grin laughs. And I hope it turns the corners of your mouth up too.

Cupidon

How about a little bit of narcissism?

Phantom of the Awkward

So, I was scrolling through the internet. You know, the way we do? And I found this ... interesting spoof on the Phantom of the Opera, it is a little painful at times. But it's amusing! Have fun! ANd hope you're weekend rocks!

What's on The Screen? : Joker

You know a lot of the time we like to stay in our comfort zone when it comes to films. Usually because there are hesitations. When it comes to foreign films a lot of people don't like reading subtitles. Then the next complaint I've heard is that the audio doesn't sync. In this instance I chose to watch the film with the subtitles. And it was worth all the reading.

Joker is basically a comedy film based on the idea of a forgotten village. We get to see them trying to get help for their home, and we also get to see them use aliens as a means to an ends. But what I liked most about the film was the music. The music was wonderful and makes you want to dance. I might not know what they're singing about, but it's great to listen to.

The reviews I read after watching the film were fairly negative. Which surprised me since I thought it was a rather creative storyline. It was fresh for me, and was fun. I do recommend the movie if you have the time and patience to red the subtitles. The costumes for some of the aliens were amazing. So if you're interested in some unique costumes, take some time and look them up. You won't be disappointed.

Oh! And side note, just because you're the wild card doesn't mean you can't amount to anything. Sometimes that's what makes you able to win the game.

Cinderella's Fairy Godfather

You know... this skit brings a whole new meaning to the idea of family. Fairy family, human family, and what about responsibility? It's cute. Great Skit by a group called Divine Comedy! Hope you have a great weekend!

Disney Dudez

Todrick Hall & IM5 : Disney Dudez

Well this is a different way to look at the princes. Definitely adorable and fun. Hope you enjoy.

Dis-Enchanted

This is an interesting web series. I don't recommend it for kids, but it's amusing.

Steampunk Meal Time

Yes I know Thursdays are usually for animations and cartoons, but this video was too funny not to share. Not only that it gives us a look at a variety of different costume and accessory ideas.

This Way Up

Machu Picchu

Cartoons are amazing things. They cross cultures and can sometimes be full of fun vibrant examples of art. I hope you enjoy watching this one as much as I have.

The Saga of Biorn

Happy Birthday Punkin!

Bait

Just a little something to watch and make you laugh. (that is if you understand what it's getting at.)