Completely Irrelevant Movie Reviews.

Tired of only hearing about the most recent movies that have been released? Well you're welcome in advance because I am about to review some movies I watched on the way to and from DC which certainly are not new and have already been reviewed more than they need to be. The difference? I'm late and going to do it in five sentences or less for each movie. Impressed? I bet.

A Cinderella Story - Who in the world decided that this movie was filled with something that children should be taught? It almost teaches that the most important thing in life is being yourself but then it goes ahead and teaches that money and popularity is. For shame!

Hancock - Why did this movie get such a bad rap when it came out? It is actually a pretty hilarious story of an alcoholic superhero. Even the parts that aren't funny are just well acted and entertaining. Maybe reviewers who didn't like it were just confused with the story line. Maybe it would have made a better television show though, build it up a bit more.

The Longest Yard (Adam Sandler remake) - Burt Reynold's should be given a stern talking to for allowing this to happen and for allowing himself to be talked into (through money no doubt) being involved in it. That being said, it is an entertaining movie (as would be any movie starring Nelly I'm sure...) which clearly had no intention of making the viewer any smarter.

Happy Feet - How dare Robin William's go on acting, or in this case voicing. I'm not sure how this movie did well. I get it, people like penguins, and folks feel bad about how we treat the Earth. That does not mean that this is automatically a good movie.

Across the Universe - What a clever idea for a movie. A story based around Beatles songs about Vietnam with actors and actresses who can actually sing. Entertaining, confusing, some songs were a stretch for the story line and the director clearly was trying too hard to be wacky at times. All in all, a decent love story, a pretty great soundtrack (minus Bono who does not do the Beatles justice - no matter how much he wishes he was one of them).

Metal Blade Records’ Finest: Part One (by Adam Peters)

I have no idea what I was thinking accepting this assignment. Actually, I think I was drunk—further fuel for my campaign to include a text and email disabling breathalyzer function on the next iPhone. I would never agree to listen to fifteen of Metal Blade Records’ finest offerings, much less review them. If you’re a metal fan, I apologize—really, I do. Some of my best friends are metal fans. It’s just that I still think it’s mostly garbage and all sounds the same. I’m not saying I don’t like loud, aggressive music; I just prefer my loud, aggressive music to be composed by artists who don’t have to compromise quality and originality because they’re too busy trying to figure out how to balance slaying three-headed dragons with battle axes and learning a few minor chords. Maybe my real assignment is to try to be objective and lay down the sarcasm as I embark on this Metal Odyssey. Bear with me; this may take a while.

Amon Amarth: “Twilight of the Thunder God”

If what you crave is double bass drumming faster than your ears can process, crushing death metal vocals not quite decipherable but undeniably demonic, dueling finger tapped shredding, and an unrelenting pace that feels oddly appropriate for pummeling a defenseless animal (among other felonious activities), Amon Amarth’s “Twilight of the Thunder God” is for you. You’ll have to forgive me for being unfamiliar with this groundbreaking Swedish death metal band known as Scum until 1992. As an eleven year old I imagine I was too preoccupied with the Presidential campaign to take notice of the name change. Since then, I must admit, my encyclopedic knowledge of the Swedish death metal scene has waned. Catching up with Scum, however, has definitely been on my list. Now that we’ve been reunited, let me not fail to mention: these adequately locked, shirtless badasses (it’s cold in Sweden, right?) can still bring it like it’s 1991.

Cattle Decapitation: “The Harvest Floor”

I’ve never actually witnessed a cattle decapitation so I don’t know what one sounds like, but if I were to go on instinct, this band seems pretty aptly named. The opening track, “The Gardeners of Eden,” sets the tone quite nicely. In just under six minutes, Cattle Decapitation gives you everything you’ve come to expect in a quality metal album: shredding, death rattles, more shredding, and pig squealing samples. It only gets better from there. Just be prepared to shed a tear during the title track when your ears get to rest and take in some chill vibes and heavy breathing.

Cannibal Corpse: “Evisceration Plague”

In case you’re not aware, Cannibal Corpse are the Godfathers of the Death Metal scene. Three albums into my metal quest and I’ve made out a lyric: “we are damned.” That seems an accurate description of the death metal scene they’ve done so much work to promote. Save these guys a seat next to James Brown in the Godfather section.

Psyopus: “Odd Senses”

Psyopsis’s “3rd onslaught of mind-bending technical metal songs” (press release) is a welcome departure from the unrelenting satanic double-bassedness of the last three albums. It’s not that this band is not satanic—or that they don’t love the double bass; this band is technical. If you’ve ever read the electronics section of an automobile repair manual, or even a Homeland Security grant guidance document, this band is kind of like that. Side note: I’ve actually scene this band live when they opened for Hank III a few years ago. Shockingly, a friend had to point this out. I’ll pay more attention next time.

Lazarus AD: “The Onslaught”

“Onlsaught?” Are you kidding me? There hasn’t been a press release yet that hasn’t used this cliché in their description of either the album or the band. Now we have the album: “The Onslaught.” Sorry. My mind is open. My mind is open. Oh wait… this band sounds the same as all the others: shredding, screaming, and balls. You get the picture.

God Dethroned: “The Wretched”

Now that I’m partly desensitized to this larynx shattering death metal glossolalia, God Dethroned comes as a welcome yet mild departure. The lyrics are mostly clear and intelligent in a mass destruction/end of the world kind of way. The dragon slaying motif is replaced with an eye for the history of carnage. Mustard gas and 1917 are the topics of one song. Respect.

Lay Down Rotten: “Gospel of the Wretched”

I have nothing to say about this album. I feel like Dennis Eckersley trying to do Red Sox color commentary. Soon I’ll have to devote myself to the same haircut for twenty years and revert to talking about the good old days now that I have nothing original say. Let’s leave it at this: It’s loud. There is screaming. And the lyrics are impossible to make out. I’m only half way through this metal journey and I’ve already let go of my sarcasm. The only problem is it’s been replaced with complete and utter apathy. I need a rest from this death metal for a few days.

Mr. Fersch's Rules For Life and other assorted nonsense.

As part of my end of the year gifts showing my appreciation for my students I have written up a book for them entitled 'Mr. Fersch's Rules For Life and other assorted nonsense'. In this book I share many of my beliefs on how we should live our lives with short little blurbs about that belief. I have decided to post some selections from this book here, hopefully you enjoy! If you have any ideas for other rules that should be up there I would love to know. Feel free to e-mail me at onehundredyears@gmail.com! Thanks.

Celebrate someone else every day.

Go out of your way to do something genuinely nice for someone else without expecting anything in return. A truly great world is filled with people who give of themselves selflessly. Make someone a card, say something nice, offer help with something, bake them cookies, recognize them for all they do for you. Anything, no matter how small will make a difference.

Never take yourself too seriously.

The only folks who get embarrassed are the ones who allow themselves to. I’m willing to act a fool because I know who I am and I am comfortable with who I am. The second you stop taking yourself so seriously, you will be able to truly have some fun.

Never allow peer pressure to control your actions.

If someone is trying to pressure you into something you do not naturally want to do it is imperative that you never allow yourself to sacrifice your beliefs to make someone else happy. If you are truly uncomfortable with doing something there is (usually) a good reason for it. If someone is trying to pressure you into doing something that would be good for you that is another story.

Never peer pressure others.

If the people around you are not interested in doing the things you are interested in doing maybe you need to look at whether or not the things you want to do are reasonable. If they are reasonable things to want to do, maybe you need to find a few new people to hang out with who have similar interests as you.

Your dreams are attainable.

There will be many people in your lives who will tell you that the hopes and dreams that you have for the future are unattainable. They are wrong. The only thing that will stop you from realizing your dreams is you. If you care enough, have realistic hopes (since the impossibility of all of you becoming President is fact), and put forth enough effort, you can truly accomplish anything. If you ever have a dream you need help realizing I will happily help you in any manner that I can.

Never grow up.

When people tell you to stop acting like a child it is merely because they have forgotten how superior the outlooks of children are compared to adults. Adults have the benefit of experience and children have the benefit of everything else. What children lack for in wisdom they make up for in humanity, in understanding, in their lack of judgment. Play in the rain, make pretend, befriend new people, imagine, giggle uncontrollably, day dream.

Be more like dogs.

Animals love unconditionally, do not judge, want to protect their loved ones but allow freedom and cherish it, run to the door to say hello, and never put themselves before a loving companion. We could all stand to learn a few lessons from dogs.

Keep an open mind.

The things that you don’t know yet are the things that will make life interesting. When you don’t give things a chance (whether it be a band, a movie, or a person) you are only showing your own fear of what you do not understand. Closed minds controlled by fear lead to hatred. Hatred leads to violence. An open mind quells that fear and hatred and averts that violence.

Compliment others.

Every day you should compliment three different people about something other than their appearance or the things they own. I get it, nice looking people need to be complimented on their appearance but leave that to someone else. Tell someone how great their writing is, how well they threw something in phys. ed., how great of an answer they had in Social Studies. Compliment people on these things and I guarantee you will make at least four people a day smile .

When someone is down, help them up.

When someone is literally on the ground, physically help them to their feet. When someone is metaphorically down (sad, in need, fearful, alone), do what you can to help them back to their feet.

Be a good sport.

Whether it be sports or life in general, treat others in a respectful manner. If you win do it with composure. If you lose do it with dignity. Make signs for your own team and make signs for the opposing team. Cheer on other good sports and let poor sports know that you don’t appreciate their attitude. John Butler is most certainly right when he says; it’s not who breaks the ribbon, it’s how you get across.

Donate anonymously.

If the goal of giving is to help others, then why not do it anonymously? There is little the feels better in life than the ability to help someone else and to be able to be proud of yourself for doing it without expecting any recognition in return.

Go for slow food instead of fast food.

Sure, it is substantially easier to run to McDonald’s and grab a meal that will assist you in gaining weight, but why not opt to try something new? What is the rush anyhow? Are you trying to hurry so you can get back somewhere to sit in front of a television or computer screen? A good long conversation over a long, slow, well made meal is one of the most beautiful things this life has to offer. Take your time to prepare food, take your time in eating food, take your time enjoying the company of those who eat their food with you.

When you say sorry, mean it.

You have control over one person’s behavior in life – yours. When you do something wrong and you feel bad for it, say you are sorry. There is no if, and, or but to it - pride should not get in the way. If you did something wrong you should apologize. If you apologize, you should mean it.

Hold the door open for other people.

This doesn’t mean that you have to go all out like some folks around here do and hold the door every day for large groups of people, you need to consider your needs as well. This does mean that if you can wait ten seconds at a door to hold it open for someone else who is walking towards it, there is no good reason not to. Even if the person isn’t holding anything, even if they’ve never held the door open for you, hold it open for them.

Volunteer.

Everyone is busy but no one is so busy that they have no time that they could take to do something good for others. Take one, two, or three hours a week and dedicate that to making the world around you a better place. Volunteer at an animal shelter, help at a nursing home, pick up trash, organize a community yard sale to benefit the local rec. center. If everyone volunteered just one hour a week, four hours a month, 52 hours a year, how much better of a place would this world be?

Homemade is better than store bought.

Whether you are a skilled baker or only know how to cook pasta, an artist or can barely draw stick figures, a potter or you haven’t played with clay since you were eight, homemade is better than store bought. Even if you write a poem that sounds more like a frosting advertisement than Robert Frost, the effort put into writing it should be enough for anyone who truly appreciates you. A painting you buy may be worth a thousand dollars but one you paint for someone else is worth a thousand words.

Neaten up your vocabulary.

Like and um are filler words. Folks use these because they speak quickly and talk without thinking much of the time. I used to say that people talk just to hear their own voices yet I have changed that over the years to now believing that people talk to try to have their voices heard. In a world where there is so much talking done, people don’t listen to each other as they should. When you have little to say and talk a lot folks will stop listening to you. When you say little yet say a lot with your words, everyone will want to hear what you have to say.

A butt is part of your body and but is a dirty word.

When you respond to what someone else says and you use the word but, you are nullifying everything the other person said. An example. If you walked up to me and said that you think that the Jonas Brothers are the best band around and my response was, ‘Sure, they are pretty talented but Led Zeppelin is better.’ I’m not just saying I disagree, I’m saying you are wrong. It is saying that my opinion is more valid than yours. So unless you are talking about what you sit on, lose the word but from your vocabulary.

Traveling While Being Young.

From this past Wednesday until late last night I was fortunate enough to travel with the 8th graders I work with to Washington, DC for their end of the year trip. First off, it is pretty wild that the end of the year is approaching so quickly. There are only about fifteen actual school days until the end of the year and I don't find myself elated as I have been in years past. Sure, I'm excited about traveling some, being outside a lot, writing a bunch more, that sort of thing. I'm also starting to realize that in less than a month, all but a few of the most important people in my life will no longer be a part of my life.

And I'm really quite sad about it.

That is not what I'm here to write about though so I'll avoid that tangent for the moment. Right now I'm here to talk about grown folks and how they treat young folks.

Upon arrival at the Westin in Tyson's Corner, Virginia, I could tell that the place was a bit fancier than I would have expected. They however were not too fancy to accept school groups and we were not an exception to this rule. They were however, poorly trained on how to work with young people. When we pulled up the doorman and acting manager immediately were outside, causing a ruckus, scolding our students for being too loud when in reality our students were really being quite exemplary in their behavior. The manager was walking around, shaking his head, talking about how many other guests there were and how loud we were being. He then had the audacity to grab the shoulder of a child who tried to walk through a turnstile door.

Who the hell do you think you are?

So I grabbed his arm and told him to not grab the arm of my students. His response, anger. Clearly, he wasn't used to people actually standing up to how he treated children. And our students were too damn polite to say anything to him. I'm not too polite though so I was happy to butt in.

I'm tired after this trip from the enormous amount of energy the students had but I'm substantially more tired of how adults treat children. I saw children being scolded for fiddling with their hands, for talking too much, for playing, and even for laughing. I'm not talking being scolded for doing these things unreasonably, I'm talking being scolded for doing these things at all. Not running around and causing a scene playing, sitting down and playing cards playing. Not laughing like hyenas and causing a disturbance laughing, happy, friendly laughing.

We as a society expect children to act in a manner that is not conducive to their natural inclinations and then we have the gall to act as if they have somehow wronged us or wronged society when they do not comply to our own personal expectations. How dare we.

Here's what I saw in Washington, DC. I saw more children holding doors than adults. I saw more children saying thank you to people who sold them things, served them food, or held the door. I saw more children not talking at the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial than adults. I saw more proof that adults need to take a serious look at themselves before they scold another child.

Children don't need to grow up, adults need to start growing down.

Hedley 'Never Too Late' Album Review (by Matt Dickson)

Hedley, a dominant player on the Canadian music scene is hoping to break through to the American charts with their (his? Not sure if this is a band or solo artist) latest release “Never Too Late.” In the immortal words of Cher, “if I could turn back time” I certainly would have bailed on writing about this album. Unfortunately for me it is too late, so apparently the title is merely a suggestion rather than a steadfast rule. Hedley sounds similar to just about any pop/guitar driven music that 7th and 8th graders are rocking out to while despising their parents for, “just not understanding.” I guess I would group these (this?) guy(s) into the All-American Rejects category. I actually apologize to the All-American Rejects for that classification, but their genres are similar so that’s what I’m going with.

The album seems to bounce between the bubble gum punky/pop that has worn out its welcome in the music scene and some straight forward pop. Hedley’s bio mentions the song Old School as becoming a fast favorite amongst teenagers for prom and graduation. I suppose that would make sense. There is a sense of nostalgia in the lyrics creating something that many teenage students could relate to. The simplicity of the lyric scheme leaves much to be desired as showcased by such gems as, “Don’t close your eyes or we’ll fade away this time/And we’ll never get back/What we gave away when we still had that fire in our eyes.” That right there is poetic genius and something that a 30 year old man stuck in a crappy hotel room reviewing music driven at 13 year olds needed to hear to get him through. I am rejuvenated and ready. Thank you Hedley! Thank you for providing the soundtrack to pubescent life. I guess if I could turn back time I would be nicer to the people I treated horribly in high school. Not sure if listening to music marketed for teenagers made me realize what a terrible person I once was, but if that’s what it takes to have some reflection I can live with the 80 minutes (40 minute album listened to twice) that I spent listening to Hedley.

If pop tunes on the “alternative rock” radio station are your thing give Hedley a try. While I am sure there are plenty of people who can dig on Hedley (including some outside of Canada) it just isn’t for me. For the remainder of the evening I’m gonna go down in flames, just like Jesse James.

Smetana's 'The Bartered Bride' at the Cutler Majestic Theatre

Opera Boston's production of Smetana's 'The Bartered Bride' this weekend was certainly something, it was definitely not nothing. What it was is another question.

The little known Opera, taking place in this production in Spillville, Iowa in the 30's, is certainly cheeky, and is certainly meant to be a comic opera. It certainly ended up being more awkwardly comical than laugh out loud comical though. A love tale about a young girl who is basically sold into marriage to pay off a debt (sounds like a riot, right?), antics ensue and everything works out in the end.

Opera Boston in general puts on quality productions yet there were some flaws in this one. First off, the wardrobe choices were not becoming of the time period or subject many times (especially with Jennifer Aylmer who played the 'bartered bride', Marenka). This was more indicative that the choice to have the opera take place during the 30's in Iowa might not have been the best decision. Aylmer has one amazing voice yet she seemed almost more concerned about her acting at times than her singing. Patrick Miller, who played the male lead as Jenik was good if not preoccupied with acting as well.

It was James Maddalena as the marriage broker Kecal who made this show worth watching though. His demeanor fit his role, his personality melded flawlessly with his singing, and he was entertaining as all get out. Anyone who can make the most mind-numbingly repetitive and annoying line almost entertaining is a winner in my book (I get it, it is down in black and white).

The opera itself didn't lend itself to an amazing work of art but the music written for the opera most certainly did. Cartoonish conductor Gil Rose was a better actor than most folks on stage as he flailingly directed an amazing orchestra through some beautiful music.

All in all a good attempt at turning a mediocre opera into something more. Not a complete success but not everything can turn out as well as everyones lives did in this story.

Duston's Bakery and Cafe on the Corner, Dover, NH and Alexander's in Rollinsford, NH

Ah restaurants and bakeries, two of my favorite places in the world. That is, when they are worth it. Alas, two thirds of what I am about to write about is more abominable than any snowman, more abhorrent than any American Psycho on set, more atrocious than most food related atrocities.

Let's start with the good.

Duston's Bakery - 153 PORTLAND AVE DOVER, NH 03820-3579 603.742.2506 Web Site

This place is adorable. Not on the outside, outside it looks like it will be pretty shoddy but stepping inside is like going into someones living room (well, more like someones pantry and they are selling everything there). It's well designed, comfortable yet roomy, a good amount of seating and just about everything you'd need at a convenience store plus a bakery! The service is stellar, everyone seems to know everyone and no one could be happier to be there. Even to a newbie like myself in town, everyone is polite, friendly, and chipper even when I show up at 6 am asking fro a dozen donuts. The donut selection changes but they are really quite delicious (especially the chocolate frosted with sprinkles) and the white chocolate and milk chocolate chip cookie is terrific. Unfortunately they don't make the bread sold there (which is a shame because if the bakery items are any indication it would be tremendous). Prices are affordable (.85 for a large donut still? I'm there) and I would go here every single day for bakery items if it seemed a little healthier.

Now on to the less desirable and since we're talking about bakeries let's talk about the competition...

Cafe on the Corner - 478 Central Ave Dover, NH 03820 603.749.4711

A prime case of misnaming a business as this should be called Cafe on the Verge. After eating breakfast from here I was literally on the verge of vomiting. Walking in it seemed like a nice enough place (although what sort of self respecting coffee shop has leather couches?) There wasn't a large line and so it was simple to order a coffee cake and a bagel sandwich with some water. There were two young ladies working there and an older man (who seemed to be the manager). One lady took the order and the other then went ahead and got it. For the coffee cake this did not work as they gave me a different kind than I ordered. It would have been worthwhile complaining but the one who got the food dropped it on the counter and then stormed away to get another order. Our food was ready in just a couple minutes and we paid and sat down.

Folks, if you are going to charge money for food it had better not a) be something you could easily make at home and b) suck. Both of ours could easily have been made at home and both of ours sucked. My coffee cake was solid, I'm talking at least a week old solid. Flavorless mounds of sugar covered the top and it literally made me ill within minutes of finishing the half I could stomach. The bagel sandwich was made on a Lender's bagel (which they didn't even try to hide - how would you react if you went to a pizza place and they served you Elio's pizza?) It was a garden burger basically, only not even a homemade one (let alone a good brand). Don't even get me started on the fact that the trash can and plate collection area are on opposite sides of the main entrance of the place, causing a huge traffic jam there...

These things all make this a terrible bakery but there is something even worse. The staff was horrible. I'm talking incompetent, rude, and in general just unacceptable. A woman a few people behind us had the GALL to say that she would like someone working there to use a napkin to pick up her bagel since they had just been handling money (common sense folks, money is gross, food shouldn't be, use gloves or napkins) and the employee response? She scoffed. I don't like vulgarities so I won't share the word I thought about her when she did this but it wasn't anything nice. And then when the woman paid and walked away she had the nerve to joke about her to the other employee and the manager IN FRONT OF CUSTOMERS.

Honestly the shittiest bakery I have ever been to. I'm unimpressed with your Obama photos on the wall. I only feel bad because he probably had to act like he enjoyed your food so that you would vote for him. Shoulda gone to Duston's...

Now, if we're talking poor service, Cafe on the Corner is the winner. We're talking about poor food then we need to take a short drive to Rollinsford, NH.

Alexander's Italian Restaurant - 489 Portland Ave Rollinsford, NH 03869 603.742.2650‎

Wow, where to start. I guess from the beginning. I was excited to go to Alexander's because it is one of the few restaurants in the South Berwick area plus I happen to love Italian food. It looks relatively adorable from the outside but that all changes the moment you walk in the door. The parking lot was pretty packed but as we walked up to the hostess we noticed there were still many seats left open. She told us there would be a fifteen minute wait and sent us to the dungeon bar where I swear if we had stayed for an additional fifteen minutes I would have most definitely been rufied. The bartender was young (which isn't bad to begin with) but he didn't know how to make the drinks we ordered (even with the help of a bartender's manual), and he had the personality of a dead moth. One whisky sour and Guinness later we were brought up to the dining room. Appointed in the most ugly fashion with bad artwork, chandeliers, fake plants and more, I have seen few gaudier and less appealing restaurants in my life, and this is before the food even arrived!

The waitress came and took our order for drinks and appetizers and then proceeded to bring over bread. Sysco (the giant food manufacturing company) makes good quality cafeteria food, food that should be served to huge numbers of people to keep costs down. Not food that should be served in fancy restaurants. So when the waitress brought over a cold roll of Sysco bread to us with butter in packs we knew it was off to a bad start. The bread wasn't even freshly baked let alone homemade, let alone good.

For our appetizer we ordered the breaded zucchini slices. They came with a blue cheese sauce and when I asked for a little marinara for the side she said it would cost a dollar extra. For a tiny cup of sauce. When they arrived about ten minutes later they were still hot from the fryolater. They were average at best and the sauces did little to improve them. Only the top layer was crispy and the rest were soggy and oily.

Still quite hungry our main courses arrived. We tried the eggplant Parmesan and the pasta carbonara. I requested that the meat be taken out of the carbonara and they obliged yet added onions in their place apparently as there was a plethora of them in the dish. A frozen pasta dish from the frozen foods isle at the grocery store would have been just at tasty. The eggplant was covered in more skin than a Shar Pei and there were huge chunks of tomato in the sauce which did little for the overall taste. Average at best, finished half, couldn't bear to eat the leftovers though - not a good sign.

Now, I'm not saying it ruined my birthday (here) but if it had been my birthday, it probably would have been ruined (aside from my stellar company). Not sure how or why this place is still in business but there's no accounting for taste!

MOS? More like POS.

Alright, I understand that not everything in life can be free. We need to pay for things so that they can run smoothly and so that the people who are involved in them can be paid and survive. It's getting just a little bit absurd though folks and I'm so incredibly unimpressed right now.

The Massachusetts Toll System uses 70% of all of their earnings in order to pay the employees. Yup, only 30% of the money you give at a toll booth gets used for something other than the folks in the booths, the people in the offices, etc. So then why do tolls keep going up? Is it because the money is being improperly used? Is it greed? Is it poor distribution of the measly 30% that actually gets used for the roads? Is it staggering incompetence?

Dinner out should be an enjoyable thing but that too is getting ridiculous. Restaurant's charging fifteen to twenty dollars for an entree that costs five to make (at MOST) and isn't even particularly impressive. There are too many of these places to even list (cough, Alexander's, cough) but they are completely out of line. You should not be allowed to charge more than something is worth. Which leads me to one of the most disturbing of all. The Museum of Science in Boston.

Alright, MOS, first and foremost, I despise you officially. How dare you charge $18 admission for a museum which only changes one show regularly? All of the initial costs of setting up your business have been defrayed. You have literally hundreds, close to thousands of visitors every day so why does it need to be so much? I understand that upkeep is pricey and hiring all of those barely employable peons to not really do any work or teach about science is costly but this is truly unacceptable. How dare you do add ons. Four dollars and fifty cents extra to see the butterfly garden? Are you joking? Nine dollars to see the laser show? Those things should be free with the cost of admission. Have you no conscious, ripping folks off of their hard earned money like this? This is as criminal as charging $5 for a bottled water at Woodstock II, and you wonder why folks riot...

I get it, if people are willing to pay it then there should be no qualms about the price (case in point - Red Sox tickets are wildly expensive but there are enough fools willing to pay a weeks salary to buy them that they can be sold for that much). That doesn't make it right.

Have a little bit of self respect people and learn from my mistakes, these places are not worth it and the sooner we stop going to them the sooner they will either a) go out of business or b) lower their prices. I know at least one guy who will never give $50 to the Museum of Science again, and hopefully, after reading this, you might know someone too.