Heart, Faith and Steel » Review

Gaga Librarians

Joe — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 14:30:17 +0000

As many of you know, I work in IT for libraries. What many don’t know is that I have been an avid support of the library system since i was young… And that I have logged more hours in a library (for fun) then most scholars! So, when I came across this video – I just had to share!

Who YOU Gonna Call?

Joe — Fri, 21 May 2010 11:00:11 +0000

If you haven’t heard of ImprovEverywhere, here’s a clip for you to watch.

You gotta hand it to them, they always do a wonderful job at their events. you can see more of them here: Improv Everywhere!

Tick-ing

Joe — Sat, 15 May 2010 19:46:59 +0000

It’s a guilty pleasure but I have always enjoyed the Tick comic book and animated TV show… Then the Live Action show made it to FOX and I thought, “What are the odds?” And, it too, was good. So if you can, check it out:

This is just darn funny:

This one was one of my favorite scenes:

So, go read a (comic) book!

The Frantics – Boot to the head

Joe — Thu, 06 May 2010 19:15:12 +0000

I’m not sure here I heard this skit first. My memory recalls a 1984 basement where I was hanging out with a bunch of friends… But for some reason that doesn’t seem “right.” Regardless, this is one funny comedy skit:

Daikomyosai 2009 DVD

Joe — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 06:00:27 +0000

Like many of my buyu, I am eagerly awaiting the latest release of Quest Video’s Bujinkan DVD line: Daikomyosai 2009. Having been there during the filming, I know from experience that it’s a must have for all Bujinkan shidoshi.

Follow this link to watch a clip on YouTube.

Seagal. Lawman. TV.

Joe — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:00:41 +0000

Around 1988, I first saw Steven Seagal in Above the Law and thought, “Cool.” His movies got better, before they got worse… I think his last good movie was Under Seige.

Over the years, we have heard some negative things about his personality… however, he remains outspoken about Native American and Tibetan rights.

But now, he’s making a return to TV with a reality show called: Steven Seagal Lawman. I’m not sure how I feel about this.

http://www.aetv.com/steven-seagal-lawman/

Warrior. Legend. Tony Jaa!

Joe — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 18:04:59 +0000

There’s a new movie being released starring Tony Jaa called Ong Bak 2: The Beginning. The trailer looks really great, and if you have seen his other movies, you know that this (I do all my own stunts) martial artist is great!

Ong Bak 2

Moti Nativ Interview

Joe — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:00:38 +0000

Moti Nativ has been involved in martial arts since the mid-1960s and in Bujinkan since 1975. He has taught martial arts since 1979 including: Self-defense (Krav-maga), Judo and Budo Taijutsu. As a Feldenkrais teacher, Moti specializes in seminars for martial artists with a unique course for improving the Warrior Ability.

Over the past 10 years Moti has specialized in the traditional kata of the Bujinkan Schools and in performing the Shingen-gata. Retired Colonel from the Israeli Defense Forces.

Here’s a subtitled interview with him:

Get a grip!

Joe — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:00:57 +0000

During one of our recent sword classes we discussed why proper grip is so important. But I know, that not everyone can visualize the reasoning for it or the consequences of improper grip. Here’s a neat video to illustrate the point:

Here are some books that I recommend for understanding swordplay:

[amtap book:isbn=4770021984]
[amtap book:isbn=1583941975]
[amtap book:isbn=4770028989]

Star Trek Begins…

Joe — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:00:27 +0000

About two weeks ago, I went to a late night showing of Star Trek (2009) with my brother-in-law, Ed. Ed is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet and my favorite big screen partner. When we walked out, his first statement was, “I liked Kirk’s father best.” And I agreed. The movie had me in the first 10 minutes with the introduction of kirk’s father.

Now, I wounldn’t say I’m a trekkie (trekker, whatever), but I would say I’m a fan of the series. I loved that the original series was multi-cultural and that it showed a united Earth, with galactic friends traveling the universe. “Wagon Train to the Stars,” is how Gene Roddenberry originally pitched the show to network executives. So, back in the day I watched shows like Star Trek, The Wild, Wild West, Kung Fu and many others that all showed their heroes in “western” settings.

Ok… I know that all you really want to know was whether it’s good or not. So here’s my review:

I liked it. It wasn’t the Star Trek, I grew up with… and I do understand why they had to make changes. The franchise needs younger actors with the freedom to grow and fresh stories that the public will embrace. Not sure exactly why Kirk turned out to be a bit of an asshole, (new) Spock is a bit emo and McCoy is the only character that I don’t think they changed at all.

So, I went to the movie expecting them (production company) to utterly destroy my childhood dream show, but instead they tweaked it a bit. I look forward to seeing the next one with my son!

Here’s a funny clip to watch while you decide whether to shell out $11 bucks to see it in the theater or wait a couple of months and pay $20 to own the DVD.