Movies and My Social Security Still Doesn't Seem So Secure

Today - The Island and Murderball

The Island - I don't want to reveal too much about the movie - but it definitely has a twist. The first half I thought was awesome and the second half is pretty good. I guess the first half is more about the storytelling and the second half - all action.

Here is what you won't find on IMDB trivia as of today. Steve Buscemi, who is awesome as always, plays a relatively minor role. This isn't giving away much, but I noticed the woman that plays his wife, looked really, really familiar. Then I figured out that she like the woman that his character is trying to convince her new wedding ring's diamond was not actually a diamond. Turns out to be the same actress, Shawnee Smith.

Here's some shots of Armageddon - it was hard to get them both in frame since both scenes are really short, but you get the idea. She was the woman in the bar in Armageddon that he is trying to pick up before the FBI bring him to NASA.











And here's the Island - I tried to call the main characters as well in frame for the shot so these wouldn't all seem so separate.



















Somehow this gives me some continuity. I'm thinking that Michael Bay (director of both movies) just like the actors a lot and had to put them back together. I wonder if anyone else noticed this? It just somehow makes it more believeable for them to be together in this.

Overall - The Island was a good, but not an amazing film. Still very good. It makes me want to go to the Island. :)

Murderball is one of the best documentaries I've seen in a long time. From imdb: (Murderball is) A film about quadriplegics who play full-contact rugby in Mad Max-style wheelchairs - overcoming unimaginable obstacles to compete in the Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece

I couldn't describe it much better than that, but it really is so much more. I learned a lot about quadriplegics and what they have to go through - and I'd like to say got a hope as to how many of them feel. All of them had such excellent stories. I recommend fully.

In my real life - I finally have my NC Driver's License with an awful picture that I have to live with until 9/8/2013. And when I pushed about my SSN problem, they had me call the main DMV headquarters in Raleigh. They told me all they can do is put a note on their license that they have to show proof of SSN next time they renew.

I'm so glad I have my middle name on my Driver's License now. Totally worth the extra trip.

I'm going to call the local Social Security office and see what can be done.

NEW IPOD TOMORROW! :)

What does the V stand for?

I went to the DMV, which is the "Division" of Motor Vehicles in North Carolina. We've been in this state since July, and since we have 60 days to get a North Carolina driver's license, I figure I should wait until the week before my wife's license plates expire in Illinois. Of course.

The DMV here is so busy, they recommend appointments and I couldn't get in until today. I need the license to get my wife's car plates for North Carolina because the car is my name only. Ok, no big deal. I totally forgot about needing to study for the test. I had been warned by so many people that it is tricky here. I guess I was distracted because Wendy's car had a flat tire yesterday and while she was at work I took care of it, throwing my schedule somewhat off.

So, after studying from midnight to 2am, reading the book cover to cover, and feeling very nostalgic of cramming for tests in high school - I got all the necessary materials and documents and headed to the DMV.

- Of course, no line - heck, I didn't even need an appointment really. I talk to somewhere there and he looks at all my stuff. He asks me what the "V" in my name stands for, and I tell him "Vincent". Then he asks me to prove it, which apparently I cannot do since my Social Security Card, Driver's license, and pretty much everything else I have on me does not have it listed. And no, I cannot leave that detail off of my new license. GREAT. What if I didn't have a middle name? :) This guy also had a bunch of small computer problems, and asked me if I ever lived at Rose Lane. Um, noo.....

But he wants me to do all the tests to get it over with, I just can't get a license until I furnish proof with some official document (birth certificate, etc) which I don't have with me. The test - as it always is - was supereasy. I didn't get anything wrong at all. I don't know why I freak out about these things.

So, I'm prepared to leave and have to come back, and the last guy I'm talking to keeps punching in things on his computer. He also asks me if I live at Rose Lane. No again of course. Here's the kicker:

MY SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER IS ALREADY REGISTERED TO SOMEONE ELSE IN NORTH CAROLINA WITH THE DMV!!!!!!!!!!!

Their solution - since I am showing my social security card now - I'm fine (other than having to come back to prove my MIDDLE NAME FOR SECURITY REASONS) and this other person will have to show proof of SSN next time he's in.

I'm feeling really, really secure about identity theft right now.

On a lighter note, if you look to the left, I've added my netflix queue to my blog, so you can see what i'm about to watch. I know, I know, the fonts are all inconsistent along the left bar. I'll fix it later. :)

New Year's Resolution(s)

I resolve to, in no particular order.

1. Blog more. Not one post per day,but definitely more than I have.
2. Continue the workout routine (like everyone else, I know) that I was doing before I moved to NC. I've put on a bunch of weight, and I'm honestly unhappy about it. It isn't that terrible, but I've got to get back where I was and go further.

I'll be back to blog more on a regular basis. Oh, and I purchased a 60GB Black Ipod with Video today. Thanks to all who got me Amazon GCs for Christmas to make this a reality. It should arrive in a couple of days!