What’s your next move?
We stayed up late last night to watch Conan O’brien’s last show. I can’t help but to feel bad for the guy. You can tell that he really wanted to host the Tonight Show for a long, long time. He deserved it, too. He’s funny, talented, and does a good interview. NBC really didn’t do him or Leno any favors having them both host shows around the same time. And sure, he got a nice (REALLY nice) severance package of $37million, but, then again, if you already had a LOT of money (I believe Conan was making $10million per year, how much more money would it take for you to walk away from your dream? Here’s the video of his farewell speech, very touching:
The last part is especially true. If you’re kind, and work hard, amazing things will happen. I feel very blessed in my life, and God has been very good to me. I have a wonderful wife, an amazing daughter, and a son on the way, not to mention a wonderful family and great friends. I work at a job I really enjoy, which pays our bills and puts food on the table. There’s not much more I could ask for.
But, what if the rug were pulled out from under me? What would my next move be? I’ve always been the kind of person who looks ahead, which is probably why I enjoy strategy games. Nothing better than planning out your moves, adapting your plan to the situation, and triumphing in the end.
So, what’s the next move? I’ve got some ideas…
What’s your next move?
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Actors Who Actually Act: Ed Norton
- Edward Norton via last.fm
Dear Ed Norton,
You’re awesome. Out of all the actors in Hollywood, you’re either 1a or 1b on my list. Let’s just say you’re 1a (1b is another post). Every movie you’ve been in is about 1000 times better than what it should have been. I can honestly say I’ve never seen a bad movie in which you appear. I was a little weary of Keeping the Faith, but after 5-10 minutes I was hooked. Here’s how I imagine the conversation went between two producers pitching Incredible Hulk:
“Remake Incredible Hulk? I don’t know. It was already done like a year ago…”
“We have Ed Norton.”
“Done Deal.”
But, I believe I have found your secret: you can actually act. I know this seems redundant, but that’s actually hard to come by these days. For instance, Nic Cage, Vince Vaughn, and Jennifer Aniston don’t actually act. They just show up for a movie, say some lines, and are generally just themselves. In every movie. Over. And. Over. For some reason people consider them actors/actresses. The reason baffles me. But I digress. You actually act. You take a character, and actually change yourself into that character. And you’re awesome at it. How you’re not the most wanted actor in Hollywood is a travesty. Or, maybe you are, but you reject all the horrible movies people throw at you. That seems more likely. I bet you passed on The Tooth Fairy. Yeah, you passed. Nice job by you. Probably weren’t interested in Couples’ Retreat. Well done. And you probably lit the script of Old Dogs on fire.
In short, keep being awesome.
Truthfully yours,
Ben
Correction
Yeah… maybe… not sure I want to…
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. The servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened. Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”
Matthew 18:21-35
OK, good point… not sure I’m there yet…
“Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?”
…
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
Mark 11:25
Forgot about that one…
“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Colossians 3:12-14
Hard to argue that when I’ve been forgiven so much. OK then…
…
…
…
(deep breath)
Tweets from Week of 2010-01-10
- Every movie is made 10x worse by including elves. #
- Unless they're Keebler elves. #
- It's cold in my office. Maybe it's just me… #
- "Read More Books" resolution going well. Almost finished "Franklin and Winston" last night. After that, "Theodore Rex" by Edmund Morris #
- Actually, make that "The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt." After that, "Theodore Rex" #
- RT @TrekMovie: NEW ARTICLE: Watch Last Night’s Star Trek: TNG Gag On Family Guy http://twurl.nl/305sbj #
- Enjoying the "Stuff You Should Know" podcast http://bit.ly/zttwP #
- Win a Macbook Pro from @dealsplus. Details here: http://bit.ly/7kMWCB #
- RT @TheODI: Movie Spoilers – The #Hobbit – First OFFICIAL Casting Call – Including Bilbo! Check out details here: http://twurl.nl/wiz3jn #
- 'Avatar' = 'Pocahontas' In Space (PICTURE) http://bit.ly/7AkiWP #
- Patrick Stewart receives knighthood http://bit.ly/90oibM #startrek #
- Looking at Adrian Beltre's stats. Averaged 15-25 HRs 60-80 RBI every year except 2004, in which he 'exploded' for 48 HRs 121 RBI. Seriously. #
- 100 Quotes Every Geek Should Know http://feeds.wired.com/~r/wiredgeekdad/~3/wzQqhNhVaQA/ #
- My wife is having a rough day. Say a prayer for her if you have a moment #
- dusting off an old 'casting crowns' album #
- RT @WojYahooNBA: David Stern has suspended GIlbert Arenas indefinintely without pay. Calls him "unfit" to play in the NBA now. #
- RT @chadfordinsider: Can't put it past Stern RT @benfraley I'm guessing "PERHAPS WORSE" is something out of "The Godfather" #
- Another tricky day #
- RT @markschlereth: Josh 1:9 Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the lord your God is with you wherever you go #
- RT @wingoz: Drew Brees understands more than zone blitzes http://bit.ly/6I0CTm #
- feeling a headache coming on.. deploy advil liquigels! #
- I read the last few pages of a book before starting it. #
- RT @TrekMovie: 25 things nerdier than star trek http://bit.ly/4FCN2v Includes Larpers, Civil War re-enactors, kazooists and more #
- Are all US soccer teams named after disasters of their hosting city? #fail #
- RT @DamonLindelof: OBAMA BACKED DOWN!!!! Groundhog Day is OURS!!!!!!!
(God Bless America) # - RT @LivingSocial: Book #giveaway! RT this 4 chance 2 win both 'Infected' AND 'Contagious' by bestseller Scott Sigler http://bit.ly/7VQXNx #
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Tweets from Week of 2010-01-03
- I haven't been on Twitter all day… Oh well. #
- RT @TrekMovie: LOLcats + Data's cat Spot = http://bit.ly/5KSxRE #
- I won my fantasy football league! #
- Just realized I've won a fantasy football championship in 05, 07, and now in 09. Not liking my chances for next year. #
- David Asper: Learn a lesson from Israel on airport security: http://bit.ly/7JlFaq (from @danphilibin) #
- Solution for the Colts next game: Starters play first half, sit in the stands with the fans for the 2nd half. Sign jerseys, shake hands, etc #
- RT @SpitefulCritic: New post: News Flash: Star Trek Now Officially Cooler Than Star Wars http://bit.ly/6e1TLH #
- My daughter's first side-scroller http://twitpic.com/w4b4u I'm so proud! #
- Finished installing 70 feet of insulation in my garage ceiling. Now some 'Two Towers' #
- S to the I to the M to the P; then maybe you can be movin' like me! #
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Tweets from Week of 2009-12-27
- Jamal Charles, you're the one; you make fantasy football so much fun! #
- SQUIRRELS. SQUIRRELS. #
- Thanks to @cbenson72 for this gem: http://bit.ly/42DNZ #
- RT @edstetzer: Harris: Most Americans Say God Exists; Fewer Are 'Absolutely Certain' http://is.gd/5vnDp #
- Ho ho ho! Win a Macbook Pro from @dealsplus for Christmas. Details here: http://bit.ly/7kMWCB #
- NEW LAPTOP! YAY! #
- setting up a new computer is fun #
- RT @Discovery_News: A house dating back to the time of Jesus was found in Nazareth. http://ow.ly/OkPF #
- RT @trekonlinegame: LEONARD NIMOY has joined STAR TREK ONLINE! See IGN's story and an exclusive video here: http://bit.ly/7ofYnS #startrek #
- ok, kinda like this sticky-note gadget in windows vista #
- Sick all day; the bedroom is comforting; now to sleep #
- finally feeling better #
- Lost 7 pounds with stomach flu. Now to find them… #
- http://twitpic.com/vdlmf at Texas corral with the prettiest woman in the world! #
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Tweets from Week of 2009-12-20
- I'm still giving Cutler a pass. No good recievers for the Bears, clearly not gelling with anyone #
- working from home for a week has ruined me #
- Ten Things I Could Do Without In 2010 http://bit.ly/5hihHT #
- RT @phillymac: AT&T's Rocks! (so say the independent network testers) http://bit.ly/68iFI5 #
- Sorry Annabelle, but it was too cute http://twitpic.com/tk14p #
- I just can't tolerate another singing show. No mas #
- RT @ValpoLife: The #Chicago #WhiteSox announce the club has traded for former #Cubs outfielder Juan Pierre http://bit.ly/4B1Y6y // Like it! #
- I heard @JimBarnthouse likes watching "The Sing Off" #
- I'm freezing and I'm inside. I blame @JimBarnthouse #
- Peter Gammons is reporting that @JimBarnthouse is the reason Matt Holliday won't resign with the Cardinals. #
- My cat has achieved [Level 5]! He has learned [Teleport onto Lap]! http://twitpic.com/ttra6 #
- #ihearjimbarnthouse knows the final digit of pi, but he's not telling you. #
- You know, I haven't seen the first Ironman movie. What's wrong w/ me? #
- Twitter API freaking out today? #
- Aliens attack Earth #3wordfilmsynopsis #
- This. My. BOOMSTICK! #3wordfilmsynopsis #
- .@prodigaljohn is giving away 3 free iPod shuffles. http://bit.ly/aBOpl #
- I don't believe in giving cards with my gifts. I'm sure the person would rather me spend $5 more on their gift. #
- Losing was probably the best thing for the Saints. Ask any Patriots fan. #
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Tweets from Week of 2009-12-13
- hates the snow. Bah, humbug #
- Loves the "Tower Madness" iPhone app. Too fun! #
- RT @saan1911: man, i did something really dumb and said something dumb. i guess i am dumb // not exactly 'breaking news'
# - Every time I tweet I get 1-2 spammers following me. Clean it up, @Twitter !!! #
- I realized why I like my iPhone so much. It's bot bc it's a great phone, it's bc I love Star Trek and this thing is a tricorder. #
- I could get used to this 'sleeping in' concept #
- Maybe coffee and meatloaf don't mix #
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Tweets from Week of 2009-12-06
- Dear cincinatti defense: wake up! You're playing Cleveland! Do something! #
- 90% of celebrities have nothing good to say. And twitter proves this. #
- What's this? New podcast novel from @scottsigler? Can my day start off better? I say 'no'. #
- Win a new Macbook Pro on Cyber Monday 2009. Details here: http://bit.ly/29rFES #
- RT @michaelspence: Oh, people–what have you done? http://bit.ly/834lwr // Uh, they've made something awesome; that's what! LOL #
- RT @indianajim: BEWARE phishing with "hi. this you??" DM's with a link. It goes to a supposed Twitter login page. #
- Win a new Canon 5DMKII (or $2500 Gift Cert) from @OPGear & Scott Bourne. Pls RT. Details here: http://bit.ly/BqU8N #
- RT @IDGuardian: The DM Phishing Scam is back. DO NOT GIVE OUT YOUR PASSWORD. If you get an odd DM, query that person on the open network. #
- remembering how much i love @gabedixonband's mustic #
- *music* #
- great.. mention "twilight" one time and a spam bot starts following me… #
- RT @mashable: BREAKING: Comcast to Buy NBC Universal – http://bit.ly/8On48V #
- A joy to watch: http://bit.ly/7QGtmN #
- This week's Heroes was good! #
- Cannot wait for "Lawman" with Steven Segal to start. Epic unintentional comedy. #
- Really enjoying the Holy Bible app for the iPhone. Quick look up, space to take notes, word search. Hope no one minds if i use it in church! #
- jIH would rur peanut-butter je Hap 'ogh! Yummy! #klingon (translate: http://bit.ly/6ttB0M) #
- Picard ghajtaH Dun quv, 'ach Kirk ghaH honorless! #klingon (translate: http://bit.ly/5LCQwt) #
- Kirk je @spiritualtramp ghaj taH quv: pagh. je @spiritualtramp largh rur targh. #klingon (translate: http://bit.ly/6OeAcJ) #
- DaH, chaw' jIH tlhutlh tlhutlh vo' Hoch vaj: poDmoH HoS! #klingon (translate: http://bit.ly/5xQJ7A) #
- Having way too much fun with tweeting in klingon. #
- Phineas and Ferb Take On a New Season in Christmas Vacation http://bit.ly/8R0XNU // Enjoy, @tonysorci! #
- jIH 'oH 'ar tIn geek than SoH Qub jIH 'oH. #klingon (translate: http://bit.ly/8nGXFE) #
- RT @IDGuardian: Scammers understand social networking. Services like Facebook and Twitter are new feeding grounds. (@nealofarrell) #
- RT @KatFrench: You know you're a LOST fan when "Team Jacob" means you're opposed to the Smoke Monster/MIB team… #notatwilightfan // Nice! #
- Small white flakes falling out of the sky… #
- Mcafee is bad. That is all. #
- Ok computer, I don't like you, and you're a big box of fail, but if we work together, we can get this thing fixed. #
- #ff Because we all need more John Madden in our lives @FauxJohnMadden #
- RT @VonABC: ABC has officially announced that #Vseries will return March 30th at 10 p.m. #
- Wow, just got some unexpected good news. Is there any better kind? #
- not sure i like this new tweetdeck RT dealy #
- This is right by where I work! http://bit.ly/8D27ZL #
- Right now, as you read this, someone is taking a picture without a cat in it. #
- Can't brain right now #
- Jill and I have decided I look like Bing Crosby, only 100x more manly (I added that last part). #
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Tweets from Week of 2009-11-29
- Dear Kevin Boss: You rule. Keep being awesome. Your friend, and fantasy football owner, Ben #
- What Earth Would Look Like With Rings Like Saturn?: http://digg.com/d31Ajq7?t #
- Eight ways to kill ideas: http://digg.com/d31Ahj7?t #
- Had a great dinner with my awesome wife! Now watching the Bears #
- Just another tricky day #
- SNL Rips Obama Over China Trip, Spending, & The Debt (video): http://digg.com/d31AlSX?t #
- I love the 'unfollow' button. Thanks, Tweetdeck! #
- RT @Discovery_News: Writing found on the Shroud of Turin proves it was the burial cloth of Jesus, Vatican expert says. http://ow.ly/ETM8 #
- Need a cool Wii game for my 3 year old daughter and one for my wife. Any suggestions? #
- RT @TrekMovie: NEW ARTICLE: Read The Star Trek 2009 Scene Written For William Shatner http://twurl.nl/8nud5m #
- Only three underdogs I can talk myself into this week: Tampa Bay, Carolina, and Jacksonville #
- RT @nwi: Police investigating crime at Meijer in Merrillville http://shar.es/aK6P9 // Yikes, was there last night! #
- RT @grantimahara: This just made my morning! RT @thinkgeek: LEGO Matrix Trinity Help video: http://j.mp/5Kv93b #
- Gorge Like a Pro to Maximize Your Holiday Feast http://bit.ly/5wQtH7 (via @Lifehacker) – Yes, I will, thank you very much! #
- Bought an iPhone… #
- Happy Thanksgiving! Now to celebrate by putting myself into a food coma. #
- Watching the parade with Annabelle is much more fun! #
- http://twitpic.com/r1p5i I know what he's thankful for #
- Anyone got a good recommendation for an iPhone app? Got Twitter, facebook, wordpress already; need more apps! #
- Hates being sick all day. Tho I did get to watch "the postman" finally #
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