Elegant Machines

I’ve seen many films in theaters. Two of the earliest (and best) I remember from my youth are Star Wars and Jaws. Those films were huge (in more ways than simply box office receipts) and they, along with numerous others made me a big fan of film on the big screen.

However, that has changed as time has passed (or as I’ve gotten older). Now, I can sum up what I like about theaters in one formula: Big Screen + Big Sound = A More Immersive Experience

That’s it. I’m sure back in the olden days going to the picture show in Hollywood was a glamorous experience of grandeur, but nowadays it’s kids running around, babies crying, cell phones ringing or lighting up the theater. It’s people kicking your seat from behind, people talking, popcorn crunching, bags crinkling, drinks slurping, dirty sticky floors, on an on. And I’m paying $10 for a ticket? No thanks. We all know these reasons, at least those of us that see a movie in a theater from time to time.

Also, frankly, if I don’t know you, I don’t like you sitting in the very next seat. That’s my introverted personal space requirement at work.

Over the weekend, the Angelika Film Center closed here in Houston. Perhaps finally. While I went to see a few films there and I’m disappointed, I can understand. For the reasons I stated above as well as (I’m sure) more than a few business related ones, I think the time of movie theaters is slowly passing and the smaller independent theaters just happen to be the first to go as they don’t enjoy the deep pockets of the larger chain theaters.

Then of course there is the digitization of not only film, but the industry. It’s changing. Evolving. New ways of distribution like Netflix and Apple’s iTunes are hurting physical video rental stores. Like the record stores of the past (sure, there are a few left) many video stores are closing. Even Blockbuster sees the writing on the wall and is trying to make a go of online movie rentals.

Personally, I’m okay with this evolution. I love technology. I love movies. I embrace change. I also love sitting at home in a comfortable environment with one finger on the pause button where I have control.

I’ll be 42 on September 12th and I’ve had a lot of jobs in my lifetime (20 to be exact). I was listing them the other day for a co-worker so I thought I’d share them here as well. I started working when I was 16 and I’ve never been “fired” (laid off from the Houston Chronicle when contract expired, but I don’t consider “laid off” and “fired” the same thing). The list:

• Grocery Sacker at Albertson’s - Beaumont, TX
• Shipping/Receiving Clerk at Butch Hoffer’s (a clothing store) - Beaumont, TX
• Pool Cleaner - Beaumont, TX
• Soldier - US Army Ft. Jackson, SC, Ft. Gordon, GA, Çakmakli, Turkey, Ft. Lewis, WA
• Ticket Taker - General Cinemas - Tacoma, WA
• Men’s Suit Sales - Dillards - Beaumont, TX
• Front Desk - The Workout Studio (later Personal Trainer too) - Beaumont, TX
• Police Officer - Beaumont PD - Beaumont, TX
• Manager - World Gym - Beaumont, TX
• Truck Driver - Eastex Waste - Beaumont, TX
• Store Manager - Smoothie King - Beaumont, TX
• Computer Sales - Best Buy - Beaumont, TX
• Computer Operator - Ameripol Synpol - Port Neches, TX
• Computer Operator - IXC (later Browdwing now Level3) - Austin, TX
• Network Systems Engineer - Technica Corporation - Dulles, VA
• Security Analyst - NetSec (bought by Verizon) - Herndon, VA
• Owner/Partner - The UPS Store #5119 - Beaumont, TX
• Web Designer - The Houston Chronicle - Houston, TX
• Freelance Web Designer - Elegant Machines - Houston, TX
• Digital Media Manager - Zadok Jewelers - Houston, TX

I don’t like butter.

There. I said it. Hate if you want. Haters gon’ hate! Speaking of hate, I *HATE* the smell of melted butter (along with the smells of coffee and cigarette smoke - apparently I have a sensitive olfactory system). It’s a blessing and a curse.

Anyway, I’ve not cared for butter my entire life. My Mom doesn’t like it, so that probably explains part of my dislike. However, I really came into my own as a butter hater way back in ‘90. Seems like a lifetime ago. I was but a young lad. Not too far out of high school (3 years to be exact) in my last year of a 4 year Army enlistment.

I had a part time job working at a movie theater. Yep, I had a part time job while in the Army. I was driving a HMMWV (or Hummer to you civilian folk) for a full bird Colonel at the time and stationed at Ft. Lewis in Washington state, just South of Tacoma. I was bored and already on my way out of the Army. Ready to meet new people and make new friends. Also, I would get to see movies for FREE. And I love movies.

One of the many duties I had while working at the movie theater was making the popcorn. I actually enjoyed making the popcorn until it came time to add the melted butter. I don’t know what it is about it. I just about gag upon smelling it. During the year I worked at the theater, I made a lot of popcorn and therefore put a lot of butter on popcorn. Needless to say I didn’t enjoy this. At all.

But FREE movies!!

So now, here I am, 20 years later (don’t worry about how old I am) and I still don’t like butter.

There is one exception to this rule.

Texas Toast. I love me some Texas Toast. With a very light coating of butter and grilled to caramelize (correct term?) the bread. I’m a born and raised Texan, so I guess it stands to reason that I would like Texas Toast. I guess I can tolerate the butter on it because the smell isn’t very strong and I do like the flavor of Texas Toast. But then I just really love bread.

I will elaborate a bit on my butter dislike by saying that if the word “slathered” is used in describing the amount of butter on anything, you can count me out for sure. Olive Garden breadsticks? Too often slathered in butter. That’s a no go. Nor can I have it on my pancakes or French toast. Syrup only please. And not too much as I don’t like my pancakes or French toast soggy. Ick. I like my syrup on the side so I can dip. But that’s a whole other and far less interesting blog post. Not that this one is particularly interesting.

So, now you know. I hope this clears things up once and for all. If you have any questions, feel free to ask via Twitter @elegantmachines and have a great day!